Audioserver

The Loxone Audioserver is a highly versatile audio solution for any type of building.

In combination with the Miniserver, it is possible to play different music for each room and to select from a various audio sources. The doorbell, notifications and announcements as well as alarms are also enabled in this way.

The replaceable microSD card contains the operating system and settings. The LAN interface is used to connect to the Miniserver, and to stream radio stations or music services on the Internet, or media on the local network. The USB interface can be used to connect storage devices with music files.

The Audioserver provides two stereo speaker outputs, which can also be separated and used individually. An analogue audio input, an output and a digital (electrical) SPDIF output (all via 3.5mm jacks) are also integrated.

Using the Tree Turbo interface, every Audioserver can be expanded with Tree Turbo Audio devices for additional zones or speaker outputs. For larger systems, multiple Audioservers can be used.

Using the Audio Player function block in Loxone Config, the system can be highly customized, the speaker outputs can be assigned to the individual rooms in mono or stereo mode. It is possible to create groups across rooms, allowing for a uniform music experience in open spaces.

For larger rooms, multiple speaker outputs are assigned to the same Audio Player function block. Each speaker output can be configured to output either the left or right channel signal, or a downmix of both channels.

The Audioserver is compatible with every type of the Loxone Miniserver.

Datasheet Audioserver

Table of Contents

• Commissioning
• Pairing with the Miniserver
• Factory Reset, Settings and Updates
• Connecting Tree Turbo Devices
• Pairing Tree Turbo Devices
• Separate Stereo Outputs
• Line Out, SPDIF Out
• Line In
• SD Card
• Wiring Example
• LED Status
• Selecting Power Supplies
• Connecting Passive Speakers
• Speaker Installation Planning
• Inputs, Outputs, Properties
• Safety Instructions
• Documents

Commissioning↑

The Miniserver is installed on a DIN rail in a suitable enclosure.

Connect the power supply, the speakers and audio in/outputs as needed. The LAN port is used to connect the Audioserver to the local network or a WiFi router. Connect the Stereo Extensions to the Tree Turbo interface.
The wiring examples provide a brief overview.

The Audioserver starts after switching on the power supply and is ready for operation after about 1.5 minutes. When starting for the first time, the file system on the SD card is unpacked, during this process the status LEDs remain off. Wait until the Audioserver has completed the startup process. After this initial set-up, the Audioserver is ready for pairing with the Miniserver. This is indicated by the status LED flashing red/green/orange.

Then follow the instructions for pairing with the Miniserver.

Pairing with the Miniserver↑

Once the Audioserver is operational and connected to the network, it can be paired with the Miniserver in Loxone Config. Pairing mode is indicated by the status LED flashing red/green/orange.

If this is not the case, reset the Audioserver to factory settings.

To search for Audioservers, first click on Audio in the Periphery tree of Loxone Config, and then on Audioserver Search in the menu bar

The window that opens will list all Audioservers that are ready for pairing. This can take a few minutes:

When highlighting one of the devices, it will identify by flashing its status LED or optionally also by an audible signal through the connected speakers. This allows you to easily identify and name the devices.

Select the desired Audioserver and click on Configure Device to assign a static IP address to the Audioserver. This can also be done via the Audioserver's web interface.

Then, select a name, room and installation location for the highlighted Audioserver and add it to the programming using the Pair Device or + button.

The right window lists all the devices that are currently part of the program. You can display them by clicking the button Show my Devices. You can also replace an existing device with a new device of the same type that was found in the search. This is useful when a device needs to be replaced or devices are added to a pre-configured program. Select the device to be added and the device to be replaced. By clicking on the button with the arrow pointing right, the old device is replaced with the new one in the program.

To apply the changes, save the program in the Miniserver.

Now the added devices are ready for use and available in the Periphery Tree in Loxone Config.

If multiple Audioservers are used, ensure they are connected within the same network segment.

Factory Reset, Settings and Updates↑

If the Audioserver was previously paired with a Miniserver and is now to be used in another installation, the pairing must first be released. Connect to the Miniserver and delete the Audioserver from the programming. Then save the program into the Miniserver.

If this is not (or no longer) possible, reset the Audioserver to factory settings by formatting an SD card for the Audioserver in Loxone Config and then inserting it. Alternatively, you can reset the Audioserver to the factory settings via the web interface. Now the Audioserver is ready to be paired again.

Without these steps a previously paired Audioserver cannot be paired with another Miniserver!

The web interface of the Audioserver allows network configuration, status display and diagnostic options. You can access it via the IP address or the hostname of the Audioserver. When searching for Audioservers in Loxone Config, the search result includes the IP address or hostname of the Audioserver.

If the Audioserver is not yet paired with a Miniserver, the login credentials for the web interface are admin/admin.
Once the Audioserver is paired, the login credentials of a user of the user group Full Access (Administrators) of the paired Miniserver are required.

The Audioserver can perform firmware updates automatically, if any are available. This requires Automatic Updates to be enabled in the project properties. The Audioserver adopts this setting.

Alternatively, the Audioserver can be updated manually in Loxone Config. To do so, select the Audioserver in the periphery tree and click on Update Audioserver Firmware in the menu bar. The update can also be started from the Audioserver web interface.

Another option is to manually copy the update file (*.upd) for the Audioserver to the SD card. Shortly thereafter, the update will be applied from this file.

If there is no DHCP server in your network, or if the Audioserver is connected directly to a PC, link-local addressing via Zeroconf is supported. If both Audioserver and computer are set to DHCP, they will adopt a 169.254.x.x link-local address.
This way a connection to the Audioserver is possible even without a network. Although this is not suitable for normal operation, it allows you to restore the factory settings via the Audioserver's web interface, or to manually assign an IP address.

To check the network by a periodic ping, the Audioserver depends on the ICMP service at the router/gateway. If this service does not respond, the Audioserver performs a security reboot about every 10min.

Connecting Tree Turbo Devices↑

Up to 10 Tree Turbo devices can be connected to the Tree Turbo interface of a Audioserver or Miniserver Compact.
The following wiring topologies are possible, at a maximum length of 150m/492ft:

The Loxone Tree Cable can be used for wiring. Use the green/white wire pair for Tree Turbo, and the 1.5mm² (AWG16) orange/white wire pair for the power supply.

For longer runs or multiple Tree Turbo devices with high power consumption, either install a power supply closer to them, or use multiple supply lines. A separate, larger cross-section supply line can also be used.

If separate power supplies are used, it is not necessary to connect all the GNDs.

The Tree Turbo interface is based on a completely different technology than the well-known Tree interface. Therefore, the Tree and the Tree Turbo interface must not be connected! The Tree Turbo data lines should not be run together with other data or signal lines in the same cable.

The Tree Turbo communication is IP based, therefore IP addresses for all Tree Turbo devices will appear on the network.

If Audioserver or Miniserver Compact are located in a 10.10.10.x network, then they must be set to DHCP and always be assigned the same address by the router, since the connected Tree Turbo devices also communicate in this address range, otherwise IP address conflicts can occur.

Pairing Tree Turbo Devices↑

To add Tree Turbo devices, first click on a Tree Turbo interface in Loxone Config, and then on Tree Turbo Search.

The window that opens will list all connected Tree Turbo devices that are not yet part of the program:

When highlighting one of the devices, it will identify by flashing its status LED or by an audible signal through the speakers. This allows you to easily identify and name the devices.

Select the desired device, assign a name, room and installation location and add it to the programming using the Pair Device or + button.

The right window lists all the devices that are currently part of the program. You can display them by clicking the button Show my devices. You can also replace an existing device with a new device of the same type that was found in the search. This is useful when a device needs to be replaced or devices are added to a pre-configured program. Select the device to be added and the device to be replaced. By clicking on the button with the arrow pointing right, the old device is replaced with the new one in the program.

To apply the changes, save the program in the Miniserver.

Now the added devices are ready for use and available in the Periphery tree below the according Tree Turbo interface.

Separate Stereo Outputs↑

The option to split one stereo output of the Audioserver or of a Stereo Extension into two separate channels allows you to cover two different rooms or areas with one speaker each. The two outputs can be used independently on separate Audio Player blocks.

To separate the channels, first click on the output of an Audioserver or a Stereo Extension in the Periphery tree, then click on the menu bar button Separate Stereo Output. Now two individual outputs are available in the Periphery tree. In order to merge the two outputs into a stereo output again, click on the button Merge to Stereo Output.

Note: If the outputs are separated, there can be slight crosstalk between the two channels.
This means that at a volume of 65% or higher, you may hear the audio signal on the adjacent channel, even if it is switched off.
For directly adjacent rooms, this effect is usually not noticeable, since at this volume the music from the adjacent room can also be heard through the walls.

The Line Out and SPDIF Out options are not available for separated outputs.

Line Out, SPDIF Out↑

The Line Out (green jack socket) is an analog audio output. AV devices such as amplifiers, mixers or active speakers with analog inputs can be connected to this output. Use a 3.5mm jack to RCA cable.
The output volume is variable and corresponds to the volume that is currently set on the Audio Player.
Equalizer settings are also applied to the Line Out.

The SPDIF Out (black jack socket) is a digital electrical SPDIF output. AV devices like amplifiers or active speakers can be connected to this output. Use a 3.5mm jack to RCA cable, the electrical SPDIF signal is output on the left (white) RCA plug. Connect this plug to a digital coaxial audio input.
The output volume is variable and corresponds to the volume that is currently set on the Audio Player.
For a fixed output volume, select external volume mode in the settings of a Stereo Output set to SPDIF.
Equalizer settings are not applied to the SPDIF Out.

Use high-quality shielded cables for both outputs and run them separately from other cables.

The Line Out and the SPDIF Out can be activated in the properties of the respective output:

When Line Out or SPDIF Out is selected for an output, the speaker outputs are disabled and the signal is output at the Line Out or SPDIF Out instead.

The Line Out and SPDIF Out options are not available for separated outputs.

Line In↑

The Line In (blue jack socket) is an analogue audio input. Devices with analogue audio or headphone outputs can be connected to this input.

Use high-quality shielded 3.5mm jack to RCA, or jack to jack cables and run them separately from other cables.

The Line In can be selected as a Source in the interface of the Audio Player function block.

Latency and delay

When playing back audio signals from the Line In, there is a short delay.
This latency is caused by the recording, subsequent data transfer and synchronization and is at least 20ms.

If the same signal is played back on other Audioservers or Tree Turbo devices, a higher delay of more than 100 ms can occur due to the synchronization between the Audio Players. This is generally not noticeable when playing music.

Even when the sound is played back to a video, many people perceive it as synchronous with the image up to a delay of 50-100 ms, depending on the content.

Using a microphone

The Line In is not suitable for the direct connection of a microphone.
In this case, additional equipment such as a microphone amplifier or mixer is required.

This enables applications such as announcements via a microphone, since latency is negligible here.
However, it should be ensured that the speaker does not hear himself over the loudspeakers if possible, as the delay is disturbing when speaking, or feedback can occur.

The system is not suitable for the use of a microphone in live performances, or other applications where real-time playback is required, due to latency.

Adjusting Line-In Input Gain to Prevent Audio Distortion

Some external audio devices may deliver an analog output with a voltage level that is too high, leading to distortion in the incoming or sampled audio signal on the Audio Server. To solve this, you can manually adjust the input gain level of the line-in via an API command.

Steps to Adjust Line-In Gain Level:

1. Access the Audio Server API:
- Open your browser and navigate to: http://<ip-address Audioserver>/wsdev
- Log in using your Miniserver credentials.

2. Modify the Line-In Gain Level:
- In the wsdev command text field, use the following API command format: audio/cfg/props/LINEINVOLUME/<x>
- Replace <x> with your desired gain level. The gain level can be adjusted between 0 and 31 (factory default = 28).
- Example Command: To set the input gain to 25, enter: audio/cfg/props/LINEINVOLUME/25

3. Send the Command:
- Click the "Send" button.
- The system will display a confirmation of the updated gain value.

4. Reboot the Audio Server:
- To activate the new input volume settings, restart the Audio Server.

SD Card↑

The Micro SD card, located at the top edge of the Loxone Audioserver, contains the operating system and settings.

The SD card can be removed as follows:
Gently press the visible edge of the SD card with your fingernail.
This will release and partially eject the card so it can be removed.

If the SD card fails to latch when inserting it, it needs to be fully removed to reactivate the latching mechanism.

Wiring Example↑

The following image shows a simplified wiring diagram for an Audioserver and two Stereo Extensions:

LED Status↑

For the first few seconds after switching on the power supply, both status LEDs flash red and orange alternately.

Selecting Power Supplies↑

We recommend using separate power supplies dedicated to supply the Audioserver and Stereo Extensions.

In order to calculate the required power, allow a minimum of 72W for the Audioserver and 36W for a Stereo Extension when using the speaker outputs.

For example, the Loxone 10A/240W power supply is perfectly suited for one Audioserver and 4 Stereo Extensions. The Loxone 4.2A/100W power supply, the smallest suitable power supply, can power e.g. one Audioserver or two Stereo Extensions.

Connecting Passive Speakers↑

Speakers like the Loxone/Quadral Install Speaker 7/10 Passive or other passive speakers with an impedance of 4-8 ohms are connected to the speaker outputs of an Audioserver or Stereo Extension:

Although the individual speaker outputs are short circuit protected, they must not be bridged.

The speakers are connected using standard speaker cable. The recommended cross-section is at least 1.5mm² (AWG16) for runs under 20 meters (65 ft)and at least 2.5mm² (AWG14) for runs over 20 meters (65 ft). Try to keep the cable length short.

For optimal speaker performance, the speaker type needs to be set in the output's properties in Loxone Config.

In order to drive larger or more powerful speakers, the Line Out or SPDIF Out can be used to connect an external amplifier.

Speaker Installation Planning↑

Loxone Install Speakers require installation in a closed enclosure or a cavity, such as in ceilings or walls, to fully develop their sound volume.

Suitable mounting enclosures for drywall or concrete installation are available in the Loxone Shop.

While a mounting enclosure is not necessarily required for completely enclosed surfaces, speakers must be mounted in a rear mounting enclosure for open surface structures, like acoustic ceilings.

The acoustically necessary volume for installation depends on the speaker size and type:

Larger enclosures or cavities may also be used, provided they are closed.

Speaker Quantity

In main living areas, at least two speakers should be used to achieve good sound quality. For small rooms or ancillary spaces, a single speaker is usually sufficient.
Depending on the room size, we recommend planning the following number of speakers per room:

Ceiling installation

Plan the speaker installation positions to be evenly distributed throughout the room. A minimum distance of 50cm/20″ from walls should be maintained to avoid sound reflections.

In ceiling installations, the stereo effect is barely noticeable and can often be neglected. Therefore, a full stereo signal is later assigned to each individual speaker via the connection to the Audio Player block (Downmix).

Wall installation

At the most frequently used listening position, at least two speakers should be arranged to achieve a good stereo effect.
The left-right assignment of the speakers is made later through the connection to the Audio Player block.

Diagnostic Inputs↑

Properties↑

Safety Instructions↑

Installation must be carried out by a qualified electrician in accordance with the applicable regulations.

This device must be mounted on a DIN rail in an electrical distribution enclosure to ensure protection against contact, water and dust.

Only mount the device on a horizontal DIN rail to ensure heat dissipation by convection.

Documents↑

Datasheet Audioserver

Loxone Ports & Domains

Datasheet Install Speaker 7 Passive

Datasheet Install Speaker 10 Passive

Thermal Shutdown Temperatures