I N S T A L L A T I O N G U I D E
HIGH-POWER MUTING STEREO VOLUME CONTROL
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MVCMVC
INTRODUCTION
The MVC 100 is a high power, muting stereo speaker volume control that connects between the speaker-level output of an
amplifier, speaker selector, or a Niles VCS HUB4 distribution hub and a pair of speakers.
A perfect application for the MVC 100 is adjusting the volume of, or muting and unmuting remotely located speakers.
The MVC 100 adjusts the volume of speakers connected to it by attenuating the amplifier signal. To assure minimal
dissipation of internal power with
virtually no power wasted as heat, Niles volume controls use autoformers instead of L-pads as the volume-
controlling element.
The MVC 100 is an impedance-magnifying (IM) volume control. Unlike other brands, it has additional autoformer windings
that magnify the impedance of connected speakers, while allowing all 12 steps to adjust the volume of the sound. Switches
on the PC board select these windings.
With the volume control providing impedance protection for your amplifier, you can create systems with no additional
impedance-matching devices between the volume control and the amplifier.
In a typical application of IM controls, a system has eight pairs of 8-ohm speakers throughout the house and in outdoor loca-
tions. Connect each pair of speakers to an MVC 100/R volume control with its switch in the 8x position, eliminating the need
for an external impedance-matching device to protect the amplifier. Even when playing all eight speaker pairs at once, the
amplifier runs at normal operating temperatures.
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NILES AUDIO CORPORATION – 1-800-BUY-HIFI
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FEATURES AND BENEFITS
The MVC 100 offers a number of improvements over other volume controls:
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Interchangeable Decora-style inserts for fast, easy color change. Inserts and knobs (sold separately) are available
in a variety of colors.
A universal impedance-magnifying design enables the MVC 100 to act as both a stereo and an impedance mag-
nifying volume control. You can magnify the speakers’ impedance by a factor of two, four, or eight.
Unlike other impedance-matching volume-control products, Niles IM volume controls maintain a 12-position
adjustment regardless of how much impedance magnification you use, with total attenuation >48dB.
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Pop-free switching between all steps.
Precision autoformers provide superior sonic performance, exceeding the audio quality of non-impedance magni-
fying volume controls.
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Isolated left and right-channel grounds ensure safety with any amplifier.
May be used with 4-, 6-, or 8-ohm speaker systems.
Automuting fuction enabled by 12VDC.
Programmable to turn on with muting engaged or disabled.
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FEATURES AND BENEFITS (CONTINUED)
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Ideal for home and commercial sound installations.
UL rated to comply with all local building codes.
Available colors: almond, black, bone, brown, and white.
Installation requires only a screwdriver and wire stripper.
Mounting depth of only 2-9/16". Fits into standard 18-cubic-inch one-gang junction boxes.
Power handling: 100W/channel RMS.
Frequency response: 20Hz to 20kHz ±2dB.
Ten years parts and labor warranty.
NOTE: SOME SPEAKERS HAVE SELECTABLE IMPEDANCE. BEFORE YOU PROCEED, PLEASE CONFIRM THAT ANY
SELECTABLE-IMPEDANCE SPEAKERS IN YOUR SYSTEM ARE PROPERLY SET FOR THE SYSTEM YOU ARE INSTALLING.
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INSTALLATION CONSIDERATIONS
CALCULATING THE IMPEDANCE MAGNIFICATION SETTING
Use the following instructions and the accompanying charts to select the correct switch setting for the number and type of
speakers in your system.
CAUTION! EVERY SPEAKER PAIR IN THE SYSTEM MUST BE CONNECTED TO AN IMPEDANCE-MAGNIFYING VOLUME
CONTROL AND SET TO THE SAME MAGNIFICATION.
1. Count the number of pairs of 4-ohm speakers and the number of pairs of 8-ohm speakers you are connectin Count
pairs of 6-ohm speakers as 4-ohm pairs.
2. Determine whether the amplifier should see a 4-ohm load or an 8-ohm load. This information is typically found in
the owner’s manual of the amplifier.
3. Read the correct switch position from the charts on page 7. See Figure 4 if your amplifier can drive a 4-ohm load.
See Figure 5 if your amplifier must have an 8-ohm speaker load.
4. Set the switches on all of the controls to the same position (1x, 2x, 4x, or 8x). See Figure 7.INSTALLATION
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INSTALLATION CONSIDERATIONS (CONTINUED)
LIMITATIONS IN VOLUME WITH HIGH MAGNIFICATION SETTINGS
Using an 8x setting limits the power to each speaker pair to one-eighth of the amplifier’s output.
In a typical application of IM volume controls, a system has eight pairs of 8-ohm speakers throughout the house and in
adjacent outdoor locations. Each pair of speakers is connected to an IM volume control with its switches set for 8x.
With eight pairs of speakers, one-eighth of the amplifier’s power is available to any pair. Therefore, an amplifier rated at
100W per channel RMS into 8 ohms will deliver up to 12.5W to each of the eight pairs – whether you play all eight pairs or
just one pair. This translates into a drop in the maximum volume capability of about 9dB at the 8x setting.
TOOLS REQUIRED
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1/8" Standard Slotted Screwdriver
1/4" Standard Slotted Screwdriver
Wire Stripper
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INSTALLATION CONSIDERATIONS (CONTINUED)
USING SPEAKER SELECTORS WITH IM VOLUME CONTROLS
Although IM controls provide volume and on/off at the volume-control location, they do not give you central control of speak-
ers playing throughout the house.
Speaker-selection systems give you central control, but some speaker selectors have non-defeatable impedance-protection
circuits. Combining IM controls with such a selector will reduce your maximum volume substantially. To solve this problem,
specify a speaker selector with a defeatable protection circuit (Niles models HPS4, HPS6, SS-4, or SS-6). Keep the protection
circuit off at all times.
JUNCTION BOXES
The mounting depth of the MVC 100 is 2-9/16". When installed, the unit extends 2-1/16" behind the sheetrock wall
(assuming 1/2" sheetrock). For installation, use a standard 18-cubic-inch (or larger) junction box. Suitable junction boxes
are available from your Niles dealer or local electrical-supply company.
TYPE OF SPEAKER WIRE
We recommend 16-gauge stranded copper speaker wire for most connections, and 14-gauge wire for runs longer than 80
feet. Don’t use speaker wire larger than 14 gauge, because larger wire may not fit into the connectors. Never use solid-core,
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INSTALLATION CONSIDERATIONS (CONTINUED)
TYPE OF SPEAKER WIRE (CONTINUED)
aluminum, or Romex wire with an IM volume control. For speaker-wire runs within walls, most U.S. states and municipalities
require a special type of speaker wire with a specific CL fire rating, such as CL-2 or CL-3. Consult your Niles dealer, building
contractor, or local building-inspection department if you aren’t sure what kind of wire is best for your application.
TECH TIP
Wire size is expressed by its AWG (American Wire Gauge)
number – the lower the number, the larger the wire. For
example, 12 AWG is physically larger than 14 AWG.
MOUNTING LOCATIONS
Some states or municipalities allow installation of devices such as Niles speaker volume controls in the same junction box
as 110V devices, with a low-voltage partition between the devices. We do not recommend this, because speaker wires can
act as an antenna for electrical noise. Locating speaker wires too close to a light switch or dimmer may cause the speakers
to emit a popping or buzzing sound. If you must locate the volume control near electrical devices, install it in a separate
metal junction box, ground the box to the electrical-system ground, and route the speaker wires several feet away from the
electrical wiring.
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INSTALLATION CONSIDERATIONS (CONTINUED)
CONVENIENT MOUNTING LOCATIONS INCLUDE:
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Near doorways.
Near a desk.
At your bedside.
Close to a telephone.
Near other wall-mounted controls.
DECORA® FACEPLATES
The MVC 100 is designed to use standard and Decora-style faceplate mounting hardware. You can combine multiple Decora-
style modules (if all are low-voltage controls) within one Decora faceplate (up to six-gang) with color-matched plate screws.
Decora plates and screws are available from your Niles dealer.
CHANGING THE COLOR OF THE KNOB AND THE DECORA INSERT
The Decora-style insert and knob on the MVC 100 is removable, allowing fast and easy color changes as needed. Inserts and
knobs are available in a variety of colors. To change the color of your unit:
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INSTALLATION CONSIDERATIONS (CONTINUED)
CHANGING THE COLOR OF THE KNOB AND THE DECORA INSERT (CONTINUED)
1. Obtain the appropriate knob and Decora-style insert in the desired color from your Niles dealer.
2. Pull the knob off the shaft. See Figure 1
3. Next, locate the two plastic mounting tabs at the top rear of the Decora-style insert. Using two fingers,
simultaneously press both tabs down (towards the center of the insert) and forward (away from you) until the
insert pops free from its mounting slots.
4. Locate the new Decora-style insert. Hold the
volume control facing you. Insert the two bottom
tabs into the bottom slots first, then the two tabs
on the top (see Figure 2). Press carefully on the
front of the insert to snap it into place.
Figure 1
Figure 2
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INSTALLATION CONSIDERATIONS (CONTINUED)
CHANGING THE COLOR OF THE KNOB AND THE DECORA INSERT (CONTINUED)
5. Locate the new knob. Align its flat side to the flat side of the shaft, and push the knob onto the shaft. Holding the
unit as shown in Figure 1, check the alignment of the knob by turning it through all positions.
PREPARING FOR INSTALLATION
NOTE: THE WMVC 100 AND WMV 100E REQUIRE 12VDC POWER TO OPERATE THE MUTING FUNCTION OF THE VOLUME
CONTROL. THEREFORE, TWO CONDUCTOR POWER WIRE MUST BE RUN TO EACH VOLUME CONTROL LOCATION ALONG
WITH FOUR CONDUCTOR SPEAKER WIRE.
Before you install the MVC 100 into an existing wall, consider the possibility of hidden obstructions inside the wall, such as
wood and metal studs; electrical, telephone, or other wiring; plumbing; conduit; and old wall safes.
1. Install the junction box in the usual manner.
2. Run all necessary wiring to the volume control. Label the wires for future reference.
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INSTALLATION
1. Locate the 4 pin speaker connector plugs (and remove them if they are plugged in).
2. Strip 1/4" of insulation from the end of each wire. Tightly twist the end of each wire until no frayed ends remain.
3. Use a small flathead screwdriver or your thumbnail to raise the locking tabs, exposing the holes on the removable
connector plug.
4. Insert each wire into the appropriate hole on the removable connector plug, and snap the locking tab down.
NOTE: MAINTAIN PROPER PHASING. CONNECT THE POSITIVE TERMINALS ON THE VOLUME CONTROL TO THE POSITIVE
TERMINALS ON THE AMPLIFIER AND SPEAKERS, AND CONNECT THE NEGATIVE TERMINALS ON THE VOLUME CONTROL
TO THE NEGATIVE TERMINALS ON THE AMPLIFIER AND SPEAKERS. SEE FIGURE 3. TO HELP YOU AVOID IMPROPER
PHASING, THE CONNECTOR PLUG IS KEYED. INSERT THE SMOOTH SIDE OF THE CONNECTOR PLUG INTO THE SMOOTH
SIDE OF THE SOCKET. DON’T FORCE THE SCALLOPED SIDE OF THE CONNECTOR PLUG INTO THE SMOOTH SIDE OF THE
SOCKET. SEE FIGURE 6.
5. Locate the 2 pin voltage connector (see Figure 8). Strip 1/4" of insulation from the end of each wire. Tightly
twist the end of each wire until no frayed ends remain and insert each wire into the appropriate hole on the
connector. Use a small flathead screwdriver to tighten the screws in place. Maintain correct polarity when
making connections.
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INSTALLATION (CONTINUED)
Receiver
12VDC
MVC HUB4
Speakers
Figure 3. Wiring Diagram
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INSTALLATION (CONTINUED)
AMPLIFIER’S MINIMUM SPEAKER LOAD IS 4 OHMS
8 OHM Speaker Pairs
AMPLIFIER’SMINIMUM SPEAKER
LOAD IS8OHMS
8 OHM Speaker Pairs
0
1
2
3
4
5
6
7
8
0
1
2
3
4
5
6
7
8
9
10 11 12 13 14 15 16
0
1
2x
4x
4x
1x
2x
4x
0
1
2
3
4
5
6
7
8
1x
2x
2x
4 OHM
Speaker
4x
Pairs23
8x
8x
8x
4 OHM
Speaker
Pairs
4
Figure 4
Figure 5
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INSTALLATION (CONTINUED)
Figure 6
Figure 7
Figure 8
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INSTALLATION (CONTINUED)
6. Set the Impedance Magnification Switch (See Figure 7) as determined by the IM charts (Figures 4 and 5).
7. Plug the connectors into the volume control as shown in Figure 6. The inputs of the IM volume control are the
connector pins labeled AMPLIFIER. The outputs are the connector pins labeled SPEAKERS.
NOTE: IF YOU REVERSE THESE CONNECTIONS, THE VOLUME CONTROL WON’T
FUNCTION PROPERLY.
8. Connect the 2 conductor power-supply wiring between the volume control
(See Figure 8) and the receiver’s switched outlet or a Niles MVC HUB4
speaker/ power hub (See Figure 3).
9. Secure the volume control to the junction box. Insert the 1-1/4" device screws
into the oblong screw holes on the top and bottom of the volume control.
The oblong shape of the screw holes helps you place the volume control in
a vertical position. Align the screws with the threaded holes in the junction
box. Tighten the screws using a Phillips screwdriver. DO NOT OVERTIGHTEN. If
necessary, loosen these screws several turns so the volume control fits flush
with the faceplate.
Figure 9. Loosening the screws
for a Flush fit
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OPERATION
1. Make sure the amplifier or receiver power is OFF and set the volume to minimum.
2. Set the volume on the volume control to maximum (fully clockwise).
3. If you are using a Niles speaker-selection system, locate the ON/OFF button that corresponds to the speaker pair
you wish to play. Set it to the ON position. Make sure the defeatable protection circuit is not enabled. See USING
SPEAKER SELECTORS WITH IM VOLUME CONTROLS, on page 6.
4. Turn ON the amplifier or receiver and select a source, such as the tuner or CD player.
5. Observe the MVC100 Mute button: Red: MUTE ON, Green: ACTIVE. If Mute button is Red, activate the speakers by
briefly pressing the Mute button changing its color to Green.
6. Slowly turn up the amplifier or receiver volume and set it to a comfortable – not maximum – listening level. Don’t
overdrive or “clip” your amplifier. If the sound becomes muddy or distorted, you have reached the limit of your
amplifier’s volume capability. Reduce the volume at once to avoid damaging your speakers.
7. Use the volume control to adjust the volume of the speakers to the desired listening level. If all the speaker pairs
in your system are equipped with Niles volume controls, you can set the amplifier or receiver volume at one posi-
tion and use the Niles controls exclusively.
(CONTINUED ON NEXT PAGE)
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OPERATION (CONTINUED)
8. To turn OFF the speakers, turn the knob on the volume control fully counter-clockwise, or press the Mute button.
The Mute button will change from Green to Red, indicating the local speakers are Muted.
PROGRAMMING MUTING VOLUME CONTROLS
You can program individual Niles Muting Volume Controls, allowing certain locations (such as the guest bedroom and porch)
to remain muted when system activation turns on other locations (such as the kitchen and family room).
Place the volume control in the desired turn-on state (muted or unmuted) by pressing the mute button.Then press and hold
the mute button for 10 seconds. An LED blinks to indicate that programming has occurred.
Niles Muting Volume Controls come from the factory pre-programmed in the automatic mute mode.
MAINTENANCE
Niles volume controls do not require any regular maintenance other than occasional cleaning. Use a damp soft cloth and
simply wipe the knob and wallplate clean. Do not use an abrasive cleanser as this might scratch the surface of the wallplate.
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.
SPECIFICATIONS
Audio Power Handling
100W/channel RMS.
Unit Dimensions
1-5/8" wide x 2-5/8" high
200W/channel peak music power.
Faceplate Dimensions
Faceplate: 2-3/4" wide x 4-1/2" high
Mounting
In-wall, fits into most 18-cubic-inch single-gang
junction boxes at least 2-3/4" deep.
Depth Behind Faceplate
2-9/16".
Wiring Requirements
14-16 gauge, two individual runs of two-
conductor speaker wire, or one run of
four-conductor speaker wire.
IR Wiring Requirements
Individual home-run of category 5 cable.
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CONTENTS
MVC100R
MVC 100
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MVC100IR volume control X1
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MVC 100 Volume Control
Snap-on Decora color insert X1
Blank Decora wallplate X1
Knob X1
Snap-on Decora color insert
Knob
Device mounting screws X2
Removable speaker connector X2
Device mounting screws X2
Faceplate screws X2
Removable speaker connector X2
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(a) Electrical Box
(b) Speaker Wire
(c) MVC100IR Volume Control (supplied)
(d) Snap-on Color Insert (supplied)
(e) Knob (supplied)
(f) Device Screws (2 supplied)
(g) Decora Wallplate (supplied)
(h) Faceplate Screws (2 supplied)
a
d
b
e
c
f
g
h
Figure 10
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NOTES
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®
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L E N D I N G
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I G H
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I D E L I T Y
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R C H I T E C T U R E
N i l e s A u d i o C o r p o r a t i o n
1 2 3 3 1 S . W . 1 3 0 S t r e e t M i a m i , F l o r i d a 3 3 1 8 6
D e s i g n e d a n d E n g i n e e r e d i n U S A
M a d e i n C h i n a
©2005 Niles Audio Corporation. All rights reserved. Niles, the Niles logos, Blending High Fidelity and Architecture
and IntelliControl are registered trademarks of Niles Audio Corporation. MicroFlasher is a trademark of
Niles Audio Corporation. Decora is a registered trademark of Leviton. All other trademarks are the property
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of their respective owners. Printed in
07/05
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