Whitepaper
Integrating Crestron Sonnex™ Multiroom HD Audio System with
Apple® AirPlay® for whole home audio distribution
White Paper - Integrating Sonnex & Apple AirPlay for an Audio Distribution Solution
What you need
1. Apple AirPlay: allows wireless streaming of audio together with related metadata between an Apple source, such as an iPhone® or iPad®.
2. Apple AirPort Express®: a Wi-Fi® base station that enables users to stream music wirelessly from anywhere in the home. Acts as the receiver.
3. Crestron Sonnex Multiroom HD Audio System: combines high-performance HD digital audio processing, full matrix switching, and high-powered amplification.
Features/Benefits
By integrating these three products, users can:
1. Stream and control audio from an Apple iPhone or iPad
2. Have their music start playing in any room without any interaction with a touch screen, control device or additional hardware in each room
3. Play their music on home audio systems, as well
Problem
Multiroom audio distribution began as a wired technology. From CD players using RCA outputs to an
iPod® using a 1/8” to RCA, connecting to a distribution system, such as Sonnex, was simple, with
its one-wire solution. Now, media sources have embraced streaming solutions and that immediate
“connection” appears, to many, either lost or, at best, an expensive overhaul. Additionally, most
whole home audio distribution systems require additional hardware in every room to receive
streaming audio and they may have limitations in streaming over long distances. Our customers
want simple, easy ways to integrate their iDevices into their home systems and easily control their
system from their phones.
Solution
Crestron’s long-standing partnership with Apple has enabled us to integrate their AirPlay and
AirPort Express technologies into a multiroom audio distribution system. Apple AirPlay lets users
wirelessly stream music throughout the entire house. AirPlay wireless technology is fully integrated
into speaker docks, AV receivers, and stereo systems, so users can enjoy their music in any room,
anytime.
By simply connecting the AirPort Express as an audio source (via standard analog audio cabling)
to the Sonnex matrix switcher, just as you would for any of the 24 sources Sonnex can distribute,
Sonnex can easily receive the converted streaming signal and distribute it to all 8 zones. By utilizing
Sonnex expanders, the signal can be distributed even further.
The Sonnex system can detect the presence of audio, so you can also trigger actions when you
start and stop AirPlay streaming from your iPhone or iPad. For instance, you can automatically have
the kitchen zone start playing the AirPlay audio when it starts, and shut the zone off when it stops.
White Paper - Integrating Sonnex & Apple AirPlay for an Audio Distribution Solution
Another benefit of the Sonnex solution is, unlike wired solutions, there is no degradation of sound
quality with distance. Further enhancing the listening experience, Sonnex provides user-selectable
DRC to help keep AirPlay at optimal audio levels.
Fig. 1 – Basic configuration of Apple AirPlay, AirPort Express and Crestron Sonnex for a simple and
clean installation that provides a clear listening experience.
White Paper - Integrating Sonnex & Apple AirPlay for an Audio Distribution Solution
Fig. 2 – Apple AirPort Express integrated with a full suite of audio devices, providing a true whole
home, multi-room distribution solution.
Conclusion
The simple integration of Sonnex, AirPlay, and Airport Express advances home audio capabilities
far beyond those of traditional streaming solutions. It provides seamless audio control in every
room and from every source through a wide selection of touch screens, keypads, wireless remotes,
computers and mobile devices. Sonnex also maintains the integrity of the audio signal over long
distances, therefore providing a listening experience superior to that of wired solutions.
After wirelessly streaming from a mobile device to a compatible audio receiver, its auto sync
capabilities enable you to receive the signal from the audio receiver and automatically set in motion
a series of preprogrammed actions.
Lastly, Apple’s transition from the Thunderbolt to Lightning port on the iPhone 5 has effected
connectivity compatibility with their existing Apple accessories. This is a non-issue, however, for
connecting the iPhone 5 to the Sonnex system via Airplay, which employs a wireless connection.
Crestron, Crestron logo and Sonnex are either trademarks or registered trademarks of Crestron Electronics, Inc. in the United States and/or other countries. Apple, AirPlay, AirPort Express, iPad, iPod and
iPhone are either trademarks or registered trademarks of Apple Inc. in the United States and/or other countries. Wi-Fi is either a trademark or registered trademark of the Wi-Fi Alliance, Inc. in the United
States and/or other countries. Other trademarks, registered trademarks, and trade names may be used in this document to refer to either the entities claiming the marks and names or their products. Crestron
disclaims any proprietary interest in the marks and names of others. ©2012 Crestron Electronics, Inc.