The ITC UC Series is a range of matrix amplifiers designed for venues that need independent audio control across multiple zones from a single rack unit. Available in three configurations 2×240W, 4×120W, and 4×240W each model outputs to both 4–16Ω and 100V line simultaneously, supports up to six audio input sources routed through a matrix to any output zone, and connects directly to a desk paging microphone and wall-mounted zone controllers via CAT5e. Edwards Sound Systems has supplied ITC amplifiers since 2011 and the UC Series is the current standard recommendation for conference centres, entertainment venues, hotels, and multi-room commercial audio installations across Auckland.
At a Glance: UC Series Range
| Model | Channels | Output per channel | Price incl. GST |
|---|---|---|---|
| T-2240UC | 2 | 240W | $2,249 |
| T-4120UC | 4 | 120W | $2,499 |
| T-4240UC | 4 | 240W | $3,249 |
- Output: 4–16Ω and 100V line on all models
- Matrix inputs: 6 audio sources routable to any output zone
- MIC inputs: MIC1–4 with adjustable gain and 48V phantom power
- Wall controller: T-651 zone volume and source selector via CAT5e (up to 100m)
- Paging mic: T-214B touchscreen desk station with zone selection
- Built-in: Bluetooth, USB/SD MP3 player, FM radio, MP3 recording
- Fire/alarm: MUTE ports for fire control connection, dedicated ALARM track port
- Input priority: MUTE > EMC > Remote MIC > MIC1–4 > MIC5–6/LINE5–6
- Frequency response: 80Hz–16kHz (+1dB, –3dB)
- THD: <0.5% at 1kHz, 1/3 rated power
- SNR: MIC 66dB / AUX 80dB
What Problem Does a Matrix Amplifier Solve?
A standard stereo amplifier sends the same audio to all connected speakers. That works for a single-room system. It stops working the moment a venue needs different audio in different areas background music in a foyer, a presenter's microphone in the main conference room, and a separate source feeding a breakout space all managed independently from one system.
A matrix amplifier routes any input source to any output zone independently. The ITC UC Series takes up to six input sources microphones, line inputs, Bluetooth audio, USB media, FM radio and routes them through the matrix to any combination of output zones, each with its own volume level and bass/treble adjustment. Staff in each zone can adjust their own volume or switch sources using a T-651 wall controller without touching the amplifier itself.
For a conference venue with a main room, a foyer, a board room, and a breakout space, this is the architecture that makes the system actually usable. Each space gets what it needs, when it needs it, without requiring anyone to go to the rack.
How Does the UC Series Work as a Complete System?
The UC Series is designed as a system with three components that work together:
The amplifier handles source routing, zone amplification, and system control. The OLED touchscreen on the front panel gives direct access to matrix configuration, source assignment, and level adjustment without a separate computer or software. Each output channel has independent bass (±10dB at 100Hz) and treble (±10dB at 10kHz) control, allowing each zone to be tuned to its acoustic environment.
The T-214B paging desk microphone connects via CAT5e and is powered by the amplifier with no separate power supply required within 100m cable runs. It has a touchscreen interface for zone selection, so a receptionist or AV coordinator can page specific zones or all zones simultaneously without operating the amplifier directly. Multiple T-214B stations can be cascaded via RS485 for larger installations.
The T-651 wall controller is a wall-mounted panel giving zone-level volume adjustment and source selection. It also connects via CAT5e, powered by the host amplifier up to 100m. For a bar, hotel room, or meeting room where the occupant needs simple local control, the T-651 handles it without exposing the full system interface.
Fire System Integration and Priority Routing
The UC Series includes two features that matter specifically for commercial installations in New Zealand buildings:
The four MUTE ports can connect directly to a fire alarm control panel. When a fire signal is received, the system mutes standard audio across connected zones. This is a direct hardware connection and does not depend on software or network availability.
The ALARM port plays a specified track from the internal MP3 player when triggered - suitable for venues that need a pre-recorded evacuation message or tone to play across specific zones on alarm activation.
The priority hierarchy is fixed in hardware: MUTE overrides everything, followed by EMC (emergency or paging from your PBX), then remote microphone paging, then local microphones, then line sources. In a venue where an emergency announcement must override background music and room audio without manual intervention, this architecture handles it without configuration.
Which UC Series Model Is Right for Your Venue?
The choice between models comes down to zone count and power requirements:
T-2120UC / T-2240UC (2-channel): Two independently controlled zones. Right for smaller venues such as a bar with a main room and an outdoor area, a small hotel with a restaurant and a lobby, a meeting room with a foyer. The 240W version suits venues running 100V speaker lines with higher total load.
T-4120UC ($2,499): Four independently controlled zones at 120W each. The most commonly specified UC Series model for conference centres and entertainment venues with four distinct areas. 120W per zone is sufficient for most 100V speaker line installations in rooms of typical conference or hospitality size.
T-4240UC ($3,249): Four zones at 240W each. Specified where zones are larger, speaker line loads are higher, or where headroom matters like larger ballrooms, venues with outdoor areas, stadiums, and shopping centres where the 100V line is carrying more fixtures.
Comparison: UC Series Matrix Amplifier vs Separate Amplifier and Zone Controller
| Separate stereo amp + DSP zone controller | ITC UC Series T-4120UC | |
|---|---|---|
| Zone control | Requires separate zone controller or DSP | Built into amplifier matrix |
| Paging mic | Requires separate interface | T-214B connects direct via CAT5e |
| Wall controllers | Requires separate wiring and power | T-651 via CAT5e, amp-powered |
| Fire integration | Requires additional relay module | 4× MUTE ports built in |
| Rack space | 3U–4U minimum | 2U |
| Approximate cost (NZD) | $3,500–$6,000+ | $2,499 + accessories |
Frequently Asked Questions
Can the T-214B paging mic address individual zones or all zones simultaneously?
Yes to both. The T-214B touchscreen lets the operator select specific zones — room 1 only, rooms 2 and 3, all zones — before activating the microphone. Multiple T-214B units can be cascaded on the same RS485 bus, so a large venue can have paging stations at a reception desk, a back office, and a stage without adding complexity to the amplifier rack.
How many wall controllers can connect to one UC Series amplifier?
Each output channel supports remote panel control via the T-651. For the T-4120UC and T-4240UC, that means up to four T-651 wall controllers — one per zone — connected via CAT5e up to 100m. If a zone needs control from multiple locations (e.g. a large room with two entrances), this is worth discussing with Edwards before specifying.
Does the built-in Bluetooth require a separate app or pairing process?
Bluetooth pairs directly with the amplifier using standard device pairing — no app required. The amplifier appears as a Bluetooth audio device. It is one of the six available input sources and can be assigned to any output zone through the matrix, so a presenter can stream audio from a laptop or phone directly to selected rooms without a cable connection.
Is the UC Series suitable for 100V speaker line installations already in a building?
Yes. All UC Series models output 100V line simultaneously with the low-impedance output on every channel. If a building already has 100V ceiling speaker runs — common in older commercial buildings and refurbishments — the UC Series amplifier connects directly to the existing wiring without modification.
The ITC UC Series T-4120UC is available from Edwards Sound Systems at $2,499 incl. GST. The T-214B paging desk microphone is $631.35 and the T-651 wall controller is $143.75. Edwards has stocked ITC commercial audio products since 2011 and can specify, supply, and install the complete system including speaker lines, wall controller wiring, and fire system integration.
View the UC Series on the Edwards website or contact Edwards today to discuss the right model and accessories for your venue.
