What is a 70-Volt Speaker System, and Where Is It Used?

A 70-volt sound distribution system is commonly utilized in commercial environments like restaurants, retail stores, gyms, offices, conference rooms, and schools. These systems offer virtually unlimited scalability, making it easy to add or remove speakers as needed. In simple terms, a 70-volt speaker system allows multiple 70V speakers to operate on a single wire run, all at a fixed wattage and constant voltage, ensuring reliable sound coverage across large areas.

Pure Resonance Audio offers a range of robust 70V commercial sound systems, designed for continuous operation 24/7. Many of our 70V audio systems include essential features for commercial use, such as priority mic ducking, paging functionality, or integrated Bluetooth connectivity, depending on the specific system.

The versatility of 70-volt sound systems is evident in their adaptability to integrate into different environments. For instance, a boutique might opt for 70V ceiling speakers to provide balanced sound without disrupting the ambiance, while an upscale restaurant may benefit from 70V pendant speakers, offering focused sound suited to open-ceiling designs.

How to Wire a 70- Volt Speaker System

When wiring a 70-volt commercial sound system, begin by adjusting the 70V speaker transformer taps. Commercial speakers come equipped with a built-in 70-volt speaker transformer, which includes a dial to adjust the tap setting. This will determine the wattage drawn by the speaker, impacting its volume output. Lower tap settings produce softer volume, while higher settings increase the loudness.

Next, connect your 70-volt speaker wiring to a 70V mixer amplifier, such as the Pure Resonance MA30BT or the rack-mount RMA120BT. Start by turning the volume to the lowest setting. Attach the speaker wire to the speaker output on the amplifier, ensuring each speaker has a black (negative) and red (positive) wire for proper connection.

Once connected, run the wire to your first speaker. Connect the red wire to the “+” terminal and the black wire to the “-” terminal. Plug in the Bluetooth mixer amplifier, turn it on, and pair it with your Bluetooth device or connect an audio source to test the system. Gradually increase the volume on your 70V mixer amplifier, either via the front panel or remote control.

One of the major benefits of a 70-volt sound system is its flexibility. You can easily add more speakers as long as your amplifier can handle the load. To connect additional speakers, use the second set of positive and negative terminals on the speakers, running wire to each new speaker until the last one is connected.

As a helpful reminder, ensure that the combined wattage of all connected speakers does not exceed 80% of your amplifier's total power capacity. For example, with a 30-watt amplifier, keep the total wattage of all speakers at or below 24 watts to avoid overloading your equipment.

70V Volume Control Wiring

Installing 70V volume controls in your speaker system allows you to easily adjust sound levels across different zones. These controls, much like dimmer switches, feature a wall plate with a dial that connects to your speakers, enabling precise sound customization in various areas of your space.

To wire 70V volume controls, run the wire from the 70V mixer amplifier to the volume control unit, then connect it to the speakers. Each volume control has four terminals, including "amp in" and "speaker out" connections. To create separate volume zones, run individual wires from the amplifier to each volume control. Alternatively, you can wire in parallel to multiple volume controls, each connecting to its own set of speakers.

For connecting multiple speakers to a single volume control, daisy-chain them by wiring from the “amp in” terminal to the “speaker out” terminal, linking the speakers together. You can also daisy-chain multiple volume controls, provided the wiring passes through the "amp in" terminals.

As with the speakers, always remember the 80% rule when using 70V volume control wiring to prevent overloading your system.

Quick Overview of 70V Speaker System Wiring

1. Adjust the 70-volt speaker transformer tap settings on each speaker.
2. Turn the mixer amplifier volume to zero.
3. Connect your wiring to the speaker output terminals on the mixer amplifier.
4. Run the 70V speaker wiring to the first speaker, connecting the red wire to the “+” terminal and the black wire to the “-” terminal.
5. Plug in and power on your 70V mixer amplifier.
6. Pair your Bluetooth device or connect an audio source to test the system on the first speaker.
7. Gradually increase the volume on the amplifier
8. To add additional speakers, repeat the process with the next set of terminals, connecting each speaker in turn.
9. Continue wiring until all speakers are connected.

When adjusting the tap settings, remember to follow the 80% rule, leaving headroom to protect your equipment from overload.

If you have any questions on how to wire a 70-volt speaker system, or need assistance purchasing 70V ceiling speakers, 70V pendant speakers, or a 70V mixer amplifier, give us a call at (866) 676-7804 or email us at sales@pureresonanceaudio.com. Our team is happy to assist you with all your 70V commercial sound system needs.