8 Station Audio Controller

Ideal Use Cases

The RDL SAS-8C is designed for audio systems requiring centralized control of eight SourceFlex listening stations. It supports eight switched program inputs plus a dedicated paging input, making it suitable for distributed listening installations that need source selection and paging access. Both the switched and paging inputs accept balanced or unbalanced line-level audio through detachable terminal blocks. An external closure to ground activates the paging terminal. The controller also provides a way to establish the maximum listening level at each station, giving the system designer direct control over available station output levels.

Why Choose This Model

The SAS-8C combines source control, paging, station-level limits, power-feed protection, and system expansion connections in one purpose-built controller. Each listening station power feed is protected by an auto-resetting fuse. This provides dedicated protection for every connected station rather than relying on a single shared power-feed safeguard. A front-panel DIP switch sets the number of inputs used, allowing the controller configuration to reflect the installed source count. The audio output gain offers a 40 dB adjustment range and can be preset with a trimmer.

Installation and Integration

Audio inputs use detachable terminal blocks and have an impedance of 100 kΩ. The input level is specified from 22 dBu to +4 dBu nominal, with a maximum level of +22 dBu, and includes a 25-turn adjustable potentiometer. Remote listening-station connections are provided through four 6-position detachable terminal blocks. A 24-pin ribbon-cable header supplies a loop-through bus output capable of driving an SAS-82 or another SAS-8C. The product description also identifies daisy-chain connections to and from SAS-82 and SAS-8i units.

The controller requires ground-referenced 24 Vdc power at 1 A. The recommended power supply is the PS-24V3A for the USA or the PS-24V3 for international use; the power supply is not included. Output-voltage LEDs indicate the presence of voltage at the remote outputs, helping installers confirm that power is available at those connections.

Performance Highlights

The SAS-8C has a specified frequency response of 50 Hz to 35 kHz within ±1 dB. THD+N is rated at less than 0.1% at 1 kHz when measured across a 20 Hz to 20 kHz bandwidth. Front-panel audio metering uses one green LED whose intensity follows the audio level and one red LED that indicates the 0 dB audio level. Together, these indicators provide an immediate view of incoming signal activity and the stated reference level.

• Controls eight SourceFlex listening stations.
• Accepts eight switched balanced or unbalanced line-level inputs.
• Includes a balanced or unbalanced line-level paging input.
• Provides a 40 dB presettable audio output gain range.
• Protects each listening-station power feed with an auto-resetting fuse.
• Supports loop-through and daisy-chain system connections.

What Makes It Different

The defining feature of the SAS-8C is the way its audio-control and station-support functions are combined. It does more than distribute eight switched sources: it also supplies a separately controlled paging path, maximum-level settings for individual listening stations, protected station power feeds, and visual confirmation of audio and output voltage. The configurable input-count preset accommodates systems that use fewer than all eight available inputs. Its detachable input and output terminal blocks support direct system wiring, while the ribbon-cable bus connection provides a defined expansion path for compatible SAS controllers.

Final Assessment

The RDL SAS-8C is a focused controller for eight-station SourceFlex systems that require switched audio sources, paging activation, adjustable gain, level monitoring, and protected station power distribution. Its 50 Hz to 35 kHz response, 100 kΩ balanced or unbalanced inputs, 40 dB output gain range, and connection options provide a clearly documented foundation for system integration. It operates in ambient temperatures from 0°C to 50°C. The packaged product measures 20.5 x 6.75 x 2.25 inches and has a shipping weight of 4.185 pounds.