Description
The Russound SMZ16-PRE is a professional 16×16 matrix pre-amplifier designed to distribute and control audio across multiple rooms and listening zones. Combining a built-in Hi-Res network streamer, extensive source connectivity and advanced DSP, it provides a centralised solution for sophisticated multiroom audio installations.
The system supports up to 16 stereo audio sources and 16 stereo zones, allowing different rooms to play independent sources or share the same audio throughout the property. For larger installations, multiple SMZ16-PRE controllers can be connected to expand the system to up to 96 audio zones.
The integrated Hi-Res Audio streamer provides access to network-based music streaming, including Spotify Connect, Apple AirPlay and Google Cast. The supported streaming platform also includes services such as Deezer, SiriusXM, TuneIn, vTuner and Airable internet radio.
Each zone can be configured for stereo or mono output, with independent source selection and volume control. Additional multiroom functions include zone linking, Party Mode, Do Not Disturb, audio paging, alarms, scheduling and sleep timers.
The SMZ16-PRE is designed for professional installation and can be shelf-mounted or installed in an equipment rack using the supplied rack mounting ears.
Features
- 16×16 stereo audio matrix pre-amplifier
- Supports up to 16 stereo audio sources and 16 stereo zones
- Expandable up to 96 audio zones using multiple SMZ16-PRE controllers
- Built-in Hi-Res Audio network streamer
- Supports Spotify Connect, Apple AirPlay and Google Cast
- Bluetooth streaming through the built-in streamer
- Streaming services include Deezer, SiriusXM, TuneIn, vTuner and Airable
- Wired Ethernet and dual-band 2.4GHz / 5GHz Wi-Fi connectivity
- HDMI ARC input with low-latency audio synchronisation
- Up to 16 stereo analogue inputs, 6 digital optical inputs and 4 digital coaxial inputs
- 16 buffered stereo source loop outputs
- 16 fixed or variable zone line-level outputs
- Integrated 7-band graphic EQ DSP
- Built-in speaker presets for compatible Russound speakers
- 24 acoustic EQ presets and custom sound adjustment
- Configurable stereo or mono zone outputs
- Independent source selection and volume control for each zone
- Zone linking and Party Mode
- Do Not Disturb, alarm clock, scheduling and sleep timer functions
- Audio paging input with configurable zone selection
- Routed IR source control for up to 8 sources, with shared IR control for up to 16 sources and one common output
- USB-C port for USB media playback
- Optional BTC-2X remote Bluetooth receiver support
- Two-port 10/100 Mbps Ethernet switch
- Russound app, IPK-1 keypad and XTS7 touchscreen control
- RIO protocol for third-party control system integration
- Firmware updatable
- Shelf or rack mounting with rack mounting ears included
Applications
- Whole-home and multiroom audio distribution
- Large residential and luxury home audio installations
- Multi-zone entertainment and music systems
- Commercial multiroom audio distribution
- Hotels, hospitality venues and entertainment spaces
- Centralised audio distribution across multiple rooms and areas
- AV installations requiring independent audio source and zone control
- Projects requiring integration with external power amplifiers
Specifications
| Brand | Russound |
| Model | SMZ16-PRE |
| Product Type | 16×16 Matrix Pre-Amplifier with Built-in Streamer |
| Audio Matrix | 16 stereo inputs × 16 stereo zones |
| System Expansion | Up to 96 audio zones using up to 6 SMZ16-PRE controllers |
| Built-in Streaming | Hi-Res Audio Network Streamer |
| Streaming Technologies | Spotify Connect, Apple AirPlay, Google Cast, Bluetooth |
| Additional Streaming Services | Deezer, SiriusXM, TuneIn, vTuner, Airable |
| Network Connectivity | Wired Ethernet, Wi-Fi 802.11 b/g/n/ac, 2.4GHz / 5GHz |
| Ethernet | 2 × 10/100 Mbps Ethernet ports with built-in switch |
| Analogue Inputs | Up to 16 stereo inputs |
| Digital Optical Inputs | 6 |
| Digital Coaxial Inputs | 4 |
| HDMI | 1 × HDMI ARC input |
| USB | 1 × USB-C port for USB media playback |
| Source Loop Outputs | 16 buffered stereo outputs |
| Zone Outputs | 16 fixed / variable line-level outputs |
| Audio Processing | 7-band graphic EQ DSP, 24 acoustic presets |
| Zone Configuration | Stereo / Mono output options |
| Audio Paging | Dedicated paging input with configurable zone selection |
| IR Control | Routed control for up to 8 sources, shared control for up to 16 sources, 1 common IR output |
| Control Interfaces | Russound App, IPK-1 keypad, XTS7 touchscreen |
| Third-Party Integration | RIO protocol; Control4, RTI and URC integration support |
| Power Requirements | 100–120V AC / 220–240V AC, 50/60Hz |
| Power Consumption | 40W |
| Product Dimensions | 19 × 17 × 5.25 inches (483 × 432 × 133 mm) |
| Product Weight | 20.7 lbs (9.4 kg) |
| Mounting | Shelf or rack mounting; rack mounting ears included |
| Warranty | 2-Year Limited Warranty |
| Installation | Russound Certified Installer required |
Important: The SMZ16-PRE is a matrix pre-amplifier and does not provide speaker-level power amplification. External power amplifiers are required to drive passive speakers. Initial installation and configuration require an internet connection.
