Crestron SWAMP Multizone Amp: Boost Power, Eliminate Cables
By Julie Jacobson
Proprietary Sonnex one-wire technology enables SWAMP 24x8 multizone amp to deliver 48 channels of uncompressed audio to remote locations via a single Cat 5e cable

Crestron had so many awesome treats at CEDIA 2010, that we just never got around to featuring one of its finest innovations: Sonnex one-wire audio distribution technology.

The proprietary technology enables Crestron audio systems to send 48 channels of uncompressed 24-bit HD audio across a single shielded Cat 5e wire up to 200 feet.

The first implementation of Sonnex is Crestron’s SWAMP 24x8 multizone amplifier.



Out of the box, it can distribute 24 audio sources to eight stereo zones (16 channels) -- just like traditional products in the category but with a little more oomph. It boasts 140 watts per channel at 8 Ohms (400 watts per channel bridged).

What really sets the SWAMP apart is an array of eight RJ-45 outputs, each of which can distribute the same 24 sources to eight more stereo zones via a single cable. For the remote locations, an eight-zone expander box, the SWAMPE-8, is used. It features the same amplification and bridging and bussing features as the headend unit.

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