Audio input chassis

Ideal Use Cases

The RDL SAS-8i is an audio input chassis designed for the SourceFlex Audio System. It accepts eight balanced or unbalanced audio sources and supports installations requiring source access across as many as four SourceFlex listening stations. Its separate paging input and closure contacts accommodate SourceFlex configurations in which paging and source listening operate within the same system. The maximum number of available sources is programmable, allowing the chassis to reflect the number of sources actually connected rather than requiring all eight inputs to be used.

Why Choose This Model

The SAS-8i brings source connectivity, listening-station control, paging support, and station power protection together in one SourceFlex component. It supports both SAS-8C and SAS-82 SourceFlex controllers. A 40 dB audio output gain range is adjustable by trimpot, providing a defined method for setting output gain during system configuration. Installers can also establish a maximum listening level at each station. Eight LED indicators show when output voltage is present at the corresponding remote outputs, providing an immediate visual reference during installation and operation.

Installation and Integration

Eight remote outputs use six-position detachable terminal blocks for connection to remote listening stations. The bus connections use 24-pin ribbon cable headers. The specified bus output is a loop-through connection that can drive additional SAS-82 or SAS-8C controllers, while the listed bus input is a 24-pin ribbon cable header driven from the SAS-8i. These connections place the chassis within the defined SourceFlex controller and listening-station architecture.

The SAS-8i requires ground-referenced 24 Vdc power at 2 A. The recommended power supplies are the PS-24KS for the USA and the PS-24KX for international use; the power supply is not included. Its specified ambient operating range is 0° C to 50° C. For shipment planning, the listed package dimensions are 20.5 x 6.75 x 2.25 inches, and the shipping weight is 4.29 pounds. The product is supplied in a cardboard box.

Performance Highlights

The chassis accommodates eight balanced or unbalanced sources while controlling four SourceFlex listening stations. Its 40 dB trimpot-adjustable gain range supports output-level configuration at installation. Maximum listening-level settings can be applied individually at each station, allowing station output limits to be established within the system. A separate paging input and closure contacts keep paging connections distinct from the eight source inputs. The eight voltage-present LEDs provide status information for the remote outputs without requiring those outputs to be checked solely at the listening stations.

What Makes It Different

Each listening-station power feed is protected by an auto-resetting fuse. This per-station arrangement limits a power-feed issue to the associated listening-station connection while allowing the fuse to reset automatically. The programmable maximum source count is another practical distinction: the available source selection can be aligned with the connected system rather than fixed at eight entries. Its bus loop-through output also supports additional SAS-82 or SAS-8C controllers, extending integration options within the SourceFlex platform. Together, these features address source configuration, controller expansion, remote-output monitoring, listening-level limits, and protected station power distribution.

Final Assessment

The RDL SAS-8i is a focused SourceFlex chassis for connecting up to eight balanced or unbalanced sources with four listening stations. It combines controller compatibility, a separate paging path, closure contacts, adjustable output gain, programmable source limits, voltage-present indicators, and auto-resetting protection for every station power feed. For systems built around SAS-8C or SAS-82 controllers, it provides the specified input, control, monitoring, and remote-station connections in a single chassis.