The Soundweb Contrio EC-8BV is an Ethernet wall controller for use in Harman HiQnet systems. The EC-8BV can control and monitor parameters within BSS Audio Soundweb London and other HiQnet devices, including Crown DCi series amplifiers.
The EC-8BV is available in black or white, and in dual-gang US Decora or dual-gang EU form factor. The EC-8BV contains a single Ethernet port for configuration, control, monitoring, and power via PoE. The EC-8BV is configured via simple drag-and-drop operations within the software application HiQnet Audio Architect.
The EC-8BV contains one push/rotary encoder, one encoder ring, eight buttons, and two LCD screens. The buttons, encoder ring, and LCD screens are multi-colour backlit, capable of eight different colours with adjustable intensity.
The push/rotary encoder can be rotated for continuous parameter control (e.g. volume). The push/rotary encoder can also be pressed for binary parameter control (e.g. mute) or preset recall.
The encoder ring can display a bouncing audio meter. When the push/rotary encoder is rotated, the encoder ring can temporarily display a volume setting. When the push/rotary encoder is pressed, the encoder ring can temporarily display a binary parameter setting (e.g. red/green for muted/unmuted status).
The eight buttons can be pressed for binary parameter control (e.g. mute), preset recall, or source selection.
The two LCD screens each have a screen resolution of 64×128 pixels, and can each display custom text.
The EC-8BV supports ‘sleep’ functionality. After a specified amount of time with no user input, the EC-8BV can turn off all LEDs. This is useful to avoid distraction in a dimly lit environment. Any user interaction will ‘wake up’ the controller.
The EC-8BV can be remotely locked and unlocked via other control systems. The EC-8BV can be locally unlocked via a four-digit PIN entry on the buttons.
The EC-8BV supports multiple modes of operation. This allows the push/rotary encoder, encoder ring, and certain buttons to be reassigned dynamically to different parameters based on which buttons are selected.