The AC12 Comms Interface allows Meridian products which use SpeakerLink connections to be combined with products with non-SpeakerLink connection-types

The AC12 is purely passive in operation so all conversion is bi-directional. This allows the AC12 to be used in many differing applications. As it is passive, the AC12 does not require any power-supply or mains connection.

Find a distributor

Accessories

AC12

The AC12 Comms Interface allows Meridian products which use SpeakerLink connections to be combined with products with non-SpeakerLink connection-types. The AC12 is purely passive in operation so all conversion is bi-directional. This allows the AC12 to be used in many differing applications. As it is passive, the AC12 does not require any power-supply or mains connection.

SPEAKERLINK BREAK-OUT AND INSERTION BOX

Converts Meridian SpeakerLink to generic audio and RS232 connections as well as Meridian legacy Comms connections. Passive device which converts in both directions and needs no power supply.

SYSTEM INTEGRATION PROBLEM SOLVER

Allows older Meridian equipment without SpeakerLink connections to be integrated in systems using more recent products. Also provides connections for use with non-Meridian products.

INSTALLATION TOOL

Gives the installer a way of accessing digital audio, RS232 and Meridian Comms signals by splitting them out from SpeakerLink connections.

The Special Edition Loudspeakers

Meridian’s goal has always been to reproduce the sound of the original performance exactly, and let nothing else get in the way.

Watch Now

With its extensive Research and Development programme Meridian has pioneered the development of a host of innovative audio technologies many of which feature in today’s Meridian products.

AT A GLANCE

Here you will find a quick overview of the product highlights and features.

USER GUIDE

Here you will find installation information and operating instructions.

PRODUCT RANGE BROCHURE

Here you will find a summary of the complete range of Meridian products in one document.

AUDIO INPUTS/OUTPUTS

1 x RS232 control signal (DB9)

1 x SpeakerLink (RJ45)

1 x Digital S/PDIF coax (phon0)

1 x Master Comms” on a 240° 5-pin DIN socket

1 x Master Comms” on BNC socket

1 x Meridian “Slave Comms” on 180° 5-pin DIN socket

1x Meridian “Slave Comms” on BNC socket


DIMENSIONS / WEIGHT

HEIGHT: 35mm [1.38in]

WIDTH: 170mm [6.7in]

DEPTH: 50mm [2in]

WEIGHT: 0.35 kg (12.4 oz)




1. What is this product for?

It is an adapter which converts between Meridian’s SpeakerLink connections and non-SpeakerLink connection-types.

2. What connections does it convert between?

It converts between a single SpeakerLink socket and the following:

• Digital audio on an RCA phono socket
• RS232 on a 9-pin D-Sub socket
• Meridian “Master Comms” on a 240° 5-pin DIN socket and a BNC socket (in parallel)
• Meridian “Slave Comms” on 180° 5-pin DIN socket and a BNC socket (in parallel)

3. Is it only for use with Meridian legacy products?

No. There are use-cases which involve only current Meridian products.

4. Does it require a power-supply?

No. It is a passive component and does not need external power.

5. Are the 'Master Comms' sockets only ever connected to a Master loudspeaker?

No. Somewhat confusingly, there are use-cases where a Slave loudspeaker is connected to the Master Comms socket. If DIN connections are used, this will mean that a '5M' lead may be connected to a Slave loudspeaker. The AC12 user-guide features an example of a system where this is done.

6. Is it 'bi-directional' – can it convert both to and from a SpeakerLink connection?

Yes. The AC12 features simple connections between the various sockets; they are not defined as inputs or outputs.

7. Are there any complications when using older models of Digital Active loudspeakers with the AC12?

There is an issue which affects the use of the following legacy loudspeakers when they are used as Slave loudspeakers with an AC12: DSP5000, DSP5500, DSP6000 and DSP7000. The explanation is beyond the scope of an FAQ, but it is covered fully on Meridian TechNote TN75.

8. Can I use a mixture of BNC and DIN connections for Meridian Comms?

Yes. The two pairs of sockets for each of the Comms types, 'Master' and 'Slave', are wired in parallel. However, there are no internal connections between the two pairs of sockets; i.e. Slave and Master connections do not meet each other inside the case.

9. Can an AC12 be used when updating the firmware on a SpeakerLink-equipped loudspeaker?

Yes. This is useful if a suitable Serial-to-SpeakerLink cable is not available. Once an AC12 is connected to the SpeakerLink input socket on the loudspeaker using a network cable, firmware can be sent to the loudspeaker though a null-modem (crossover) RS232 cable. A typical set-up would include laptop, USB-to-serial adapter, null modem RS232 cable, AC12, network cable, loudspeaker. Note that it is essential to use a null-modem RS232 cable for this to work.


Next page

Accessories