SQ800 Series: How To Use In A Commercial Setting

Introduction:
This guide will walk you through how to properly use Rockville’s SQ800 series snake cables in a commercial audio setup. Whether you're expanding a multi-zone amplifier system or connecting it to an external mixer or receiver, the steps below are simple and beginner-friendly.
Requirements:

• Rockville SQ800 series snake cable (3 ft, 6 ft, or 12 ft depending on your distance)
• Multi-zone amplifier
• External mixer or receiver
• Speakers

Step-by-Step Instructions

1. Understand the Application

• The SQ800 series cables are designed to route audio signals from the outputs of a multi-zone amplifier into the inputs of an external mixer, receiver, or other audio processing equipment.
• This setup is ideal if you're expanding a commercial system across multiple rooms or zones.

2. Choose the Correct Cable Length

• 3 ft cable – Ideal for short distances between devices.
• 6 ft cable – Perfect for mid-range distances.
• 12 ft cable – Best for setups where the mixer and amplifier are further apart.

3. Connect the Snake Cable to the Amplifier

• Take one end of the snake cable.
• Plug ¼” connector #1 into output #1 on your multi-zone amplifier.
• Repeat this for additional channels:
  • Connector #2 → Output #2
  • Connector #3 → Output #3
  • ...and so on, depending on how many zones you are using.

4. Connect the Other End to the Mixer

• Take the opposite end of the snake cable.
• Plug ¼” connector #1 into input #1 on your mixer.
• Continue the sequence:
  • Connector #2 → Input #2
  • Connector #3 → Input #3
  • ...as needed.

5. Complete the Setup with Speakers

• Once the mixer is receiving signals from the amplifier:
  • Connect your speakers to the mixer.
  • Now, all signals routed through the amplifier will pass into the mixer and out to your connected speakers.

Troubleshooting & FAQs

Q: What happens if my cable is too short or too long?
A: If the cable is too short, it won’t reach both devices. If it’s too long, it may clutter your setup. Choose the 3 ft, 6 ft, or 12 ft version based on your actual distance needs.

Q: Can I connect fewer than all channels?
A: Yes. You only need to connect as many channels as your system requires.

Q: Will this work with any mixer?
A: As long as the mixer has compatible ¼” inputs, yes.

Conclusion

Using the Rockville SQ800 snake cables to connect a multi-zone amplifier to a mixer is a straightforward way to expand your commercial audio system. With the right cable length and proper connections, you can route signals smoothly and power multiple speaker zones with ease.