Sonos Chime for Crestron has been rebuilt from the ground up. V2 is a new driver on the Crestron Home entity model, and it changes how you set chimes up, what you can play, and how much the driver tells you when something goes wrong. Here is what is new.
A new driver, on the entity model
V2 replaces the previous Sonos Chime driver. It loads as a Crestron Home extension device — an Audio Processor — and everything below follows from that rebuild. In the driver list it appears as SONOS Chime V2, alongside the one it replaces.
Crestron Home lists the new SONOS Chime V2 alongside the driver it replaces.
Set up chimes in a browser
The biggest day-to-day change: chimes are configured in an app served from the processor, not in the driver’s settings pages. Search the catalogue instead of scrolling filenames, listen to any chime in your browser — instantly — and play it on a real speaker to hear where it lands before you commit. Speakers that can’t play chimes are greyed out with the reason, so you are never guessing why one is not working or not supported.
The browser setup app: search the catalogue, audition a chime, and choose its speakers.
Bring your own sound — included
The catalogue is no longer limited to the native crestron home chimes.
Upload two chimes of your own — any MP3 up to ten seconds.
Have the speakers say something. Type up to 100 characters, pick a voice, and that is the chime.
Or point a chime at your own https:// URL, if you would rather host the file yourself.
Text-to-speech used to be a separate subscription. In V2 it is included with the licence. An announcement is recorded once when you save it, so it plays instantly.
Upload two chimes of your own, or have the speakers say something — included with the licence.
Volume Controls
V1 played everything at one level. V2 gives each chime its own volume, with a house default it falls back to. A doorbell that is polite at 40 no longer drags your intruder alert down with it. The ChimeLevel command still sets the house default — but a chime you have pinned to its own volume ignores it, so an alarm set to 95 stays at 95 even if ChimeLevel is wired to a night-mode scene.
Upgrading from the previous driver
One thing to plan for: this is not an in-place upgrade. A site on the old driver has to be commissioned again — re-enter the licence key, reconnect the Sonos account, and rebuild the chimes in the new setup app. Your existing licence key still works: V2 keeps the same product SKU. Speech announcements have to be re-typed, but nothing else is lost — and they are now included rather than billed separately.
Ready to try V2? Start a 30-day trial at SONOS Chimes, and follow the full setup in the installation guide on our documentation site.
How Sonos Amp Multi is Revolutionizing Custom Integration for Modern Homes
Image Credit : Sonos
The home audio landscape appears to have reached a new milestone with Sonos’ introduction of the Amp Multi. This multi-channel streaming amplifier promises to address many common challenges in residential audio installations while maintaining the simplicity and sound quality the brand is known for. Let’s explore what this solution offers for custom integrators and homeowners.
The Changing Landscape of Residential Audio
Modern homes have evolved dramatically in recent years. Open floor plans, mixed-use spaces, and seamless indoor-outdoor living create unique challenges for audio system design. Homeowners typically want high-quality sound throughout their living spaces without complicated controls or visible equipment disrupting their carefully planned aesthetics.
This shift creates significant challenges for integrators who need adaptable solutions for evolving home designs. Traditional multi-zone audio systems often require extensive planning and complicated wiring schemes that can be difficult to modify post-installation. The Amp Multi appears designed to address these challenges with a more flexible approach aligned with contemporary living spaces.
Engineering Features: What Sets Amp Multi Apart
Looking at the technical specifications, the Amp Multi offers impressive capabilities:
Eight amplified outputs delivering 125watts each at 8 ohms
Support for up to four independently configurable zones
Capacity to drive up to 24 Sonos Architectural speakers (3 per channel)
GaN power architecture paired with Class-D post-filter feedback
Fan-less design for silent operation with thermal efficiency
Beyond raw power, the design choices suggest a focus on installation and operation ease. The system features an audible chirp function that can be triggered from the Sonos app, potentially eliminating tedious manual identification processes when working with multiple units.
Flexibility in System Design
One of the most interesting aspects of the Amp Multi is the freedom it offers in system design. Any output can apparently be assigned to any zone, allowing for adaptable solutions for unique spaces. This flexibility could enable integrators to adjust configurations as project requirements evolve without extensive rewiring.
For larger installations, multiple Amp Multi units can reportedly work together, creating extensive possibilities for ambitious audio projects. If the system maintains performance quality when scaled up as claimed, this could address a common pain point in large residential installations where consistent performance across zones can be challenging.
Professional Tuning Capabilities
The introduction of ProTune seems to be a significant advancement, offering integrators manual sound optimization tools for each output. The 10-band parametric EQ, gain adjustments, width control, and delay offset capabilities could make it possible to fine-tune sound for challenging spaces.
This level of control might allow for consistent sound throughout a home regardless of acoustic challenges. Combined with optimization profiles for Sonos Architectural speakers, the system appears to offer both automated and manual tuning options.
Installation-Friendly Design
The physical design suggests thoughtful consideration of the installation process. The 1.5U chassis works with a dedicated 2U Rack Mount (sold separately) to create built-in ventilation space. This approach eliminates the need for additional vent panels while potentially improving cable management.
The flat-back design and recessed connectors allow the unit to stand upright during rack mounting. These design elements could make installations more efficient, reducing setup time and potential complications.
Engineering for Reliability
The use of GaN technology and a convection-cooled design eliminates common failure points like fans that can collect dust and create noise. This approach potentially improves long-term reliability – a crucial factor for integrators whose reputation depends on system performance over time.
Reduced maintenance requirements could help build stronger client relationships while ensuring more consistent audio experiences for homeowners.
Control System Integration
The Amp Multi integrates seamlessly with third-party systems, extending its functionality beyond standalone audio capabilities. The LCD Sonos Chimes Driver works directly with this hardware, enabling chimes and spoken messages to be distributed throughout the Sonos system.
This integration delivers notification sounds triggered by control system actions, creating essential functionality for doorbell alerts, security notifications, and household announcements – transforming the audio system into a comprehensive home communication platform.
Meeting Contemporary Homeowner Expectations
Today’s homeowners typically expect technology to enhance their living experience without requiring technical expertise. The Amp Multi seems designed with this balance in mind – offering sophisticated capabilities through accessible interfaces.
The dual approach – professional-grade control for installers and streamlined operation for users – represents an interesting solution for high-end residential installations.
Evolution of Residential Audio Integration
The introduction of products like the Amp Multi suggests a shift in residential audio system design. The emphasis on flexibility, scalability, and user experience reflects an understanding of modern home functionality and technology interaction patterns.
As homes continue to evolve with more multi-purpose spaces, solutions that can adapt without major reconstruction will likely become increasingly valuable. Sonos appears to be positioning itself to address this trend.
A New Option for Custom Integrators
For the custom integration market, the Amp Multi represents an intriguing addition to available multi-zone audio solutions. The combination of hardware specifications, design features, and software integration could address challenges throughout the project lifecycle.
By potentially reducing complexity without sacrificing capabilities, this product might enable integrators to approach ambitious projects with greater confidence. The result could be improved experiences for both professionals and homeowners.
As Sonos prepares to showcase the Amp Multi at upcoming industry events, it will be interesting to see how integrators respond to this new option for professional residential audio installations in contemporary homes.
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