Room Control Station for SourceFlex Distributed Audio System-Black

The black RDL DB-SFRC8 is a single-room listening station for a SourceFlex distributed audio system. It combines in-wall source selection, front-panel volume control, line-level outputs, and a compact Class D speaker amplifier. Users can select from as many as eight audio sources through a momentary pushbutton, while the red 7-segment display identifies the selected channel. The station is designed for room-level control in distributed music and paging systems without requiring a separate local control panel and amplifier.

Ideal Use Cases

The DB-SFRC8 is particularly suited to office distributed sound systems that provide both music and paging. It gives an individual room a straightforward way to select one of eight available audio channels and adjust the listening level locally. The display shows channels 1 through 8 when a source is selected; a displayed 0 represents either off or paging. Its combination of line-level and amplified outputs supports installations that need to feed downstream audio equipment, directly power a compatible 4-ohm or 8-ohm speaker load, or accommodate both connection types within the room design.

Why Choose This Model

This model consolidates the controls and outputs required for a single SourceFlex listening zone. Source selection is handled by a front-panel momentary SELECT button, and volume is adjusted with a single-turn audio-taper control. The two line outputs provide nominal +4 dBu balanced and -10 dBV unbalanced signals. Line output operation can be switched between fixed and variable modes; in variable mode, the output follows the front-panel level control.

The integrated high-efficiency Class D amplifier delivers up to 3.5 W RMS into 8 ohms or 6.5 W RMS into 4 ohms. Thermal and short-circuit protection are included, helping protect the amplifier when operating in an installed environment. These capabilities make the DB-SFRC8 a focused room station rather than a source selector alone.

Installation and Integration

The DB-SFRC8 mounts in a wall using a US single-gang electrical box or an RDL WB-1U. It is also compatible with other RDL wall plates and controls, supporting coordinated in-wall installations. The unit measures 4.13 inches high, 1.7 inches wide, and 2.05 inches deep.

A 10-position detachable terminal block is provided for the input connection, while the speaker output also uses a detachable terminal block. Communication between the remote listening station and the SourceFlex controller uses dc control signals carried by the DISPLAY RAMP and CONTROL conductors. Power is supplied by the SourceFlex controller at 24 Vdc. Current requirements are 30 mA while idle, 55 mA at one-eighth power during normal voice or music operation, and 225 mA when delivering 3.5 W into 8 ohms.

Performance Highlights

At line level, frequency response extends from 20 Hz to 20 kHz within ±0.1 dB. The speaker output covers 40 Hz to 20 kHz within ±1 dB. Line-level THD+N is less than 0.1% from 20 Hz to 20 kHz, while speaker-output THD+N is less than 0.25% at 1 kHz.

Specified line-level noise is below -85 dB relative to +4 dBu. Speaker-output noise is below -80 dB relative to 1 W RMS. Together with the fixed-or-variable line output configuration, these specifications allow the station to serve both local amplification and line-level signal-routing requirements within a SourceFlex installation.

What Makes It Different

The distinguishing feature of the DB-SFRC8 is the amount of room functionality contained in a single-gang in-wall station. It provides selection from eight sources, a visible channel display, direct level adjustment, two line-output formats, and an onboard amplifier. The variable line output can track the same front-panel control used for local listening, while fixed operation is available when the connected equipment should receive a consistent nominal signal. Detachable terminal-block connections support installation and servicing without changing the station’s compact wall-mounted format.

Final Assessment

For a SourceFlex system that requires dedicated control in one room, the DB-SFRC8 provides a clearly defined combination of source selection, volume control, line-level output, and speaker amplification. Its electrical-box mounting, detachable connections, controller-supplied power, and compatibility with other RDL wall products are tailored to integrated installations. With documented audio performance, protected Class D amplification, and direct support for music and paging applications, it is a practical choice for an office listening zone requiring local control of a distributed audio system.