This article explains how to wire the ControlCenter CC-1 to an RDL ST-VCA3 to control the input level to an amplifier or another device.

Typically, a CC-1 is used with a FreeSpace IZA amplifier or PowerSpace+ amplifier to remotely control the audio level of a listening area, or used with ControlSpace ESP/EX processors to control a gain block in the project file. Occasionally, it may be required to control an input to an amplifier that will not natively accept a control signal from a CC-1. This can be accomplished with a third party device manufactured by Radio Design Labs.

Relevant Product(s)

• ControlCenter CC-1
• Radio Design Labs ST-VCA3 Voltage Controlled Amplifier

Procedure

The ControlCenter CC-1 at its heart is a linear 10kΩ potentiometer which is what drives the changes in level at the devices to which it's connected. Other features of the CC-1 include DIP switches that allow this control signal to route over different pins of an 8P8C (commonly RJ-45) connector. When terminated with the EIA/TIA 568B convention, a CAT5e cable can be used to carry the required signals over specific pins and therefore specific colored wires. In order for the correct pins to be utilized, the CC-1 DIP switches need to be set to the correct positions, as seen below. Switches 3 and 5 are set to ON, while the remaining switches are set to OFF.

Once complete, the CC-1 is then connected to the CAT5e cable and installed in its operational location. On the other end of this cable, three conductors will be used to connect into the ST-VCA3: White/Green, White/Orange, and Brown. Connect the wires into the ST-VCA3 as shown below.

The ST-VCA3 generates a 10V output signal, and the brown wire carries this across the resistor in the CC-1 and back to the ST-VCA3 over the White/Orange wire. The wiper signal is carried back to the ST-VCA3 over the Green/White wire. It's this control signal that tells the device at what level the LINE OUTPUT should be.  For more information on connecting audio signals and power requirements for the ST-VCA3, see the product page on rdlnet.com.