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I need to install multiple Streams in a location – How do I handle it?

In larger Spottune installations, it may be necessary to install multiple Streams in the same location. This FAQ explains how to plan a multi-Stream installation, how to connect the Streams to the local network, and how to handle audio distribution.

Can I install multiple Streams in the same location?

Yes. You can install multiple Streams in the same location.

Each Stream works as its own wireless transmitter and controls the Omni speakers paired to that specific Stream. This allows you to divide a larger location into smaller and more reliable coverage areas.


When should I use more than one Stream?

You may need more than one Stream if:

  • The location is too large for one Stream to cover reliably

  • The installation is spread across multiple floors

  • There are walls, elevators, metal structures, or other obstacles

  • You need to install more than 32 Omni speakers

  • You want to divide the location into separate areas

  • Some speakers have weak signal strength from the existing Stream

A single Stream can connect up to 32 Omni speakers, but the wireless coverage and building layout should always be considered before using the full capacity.


How should I plan a multi-Stream installation?

Before installing the hardware, divide the location into practical areas.

For each area, define:

  • Which Stream will cover the area

  • Which Omni speakers will be paired to that Stream

  • Which audio source the Stream should receive

  • Whether the area should play the same or different music

  • Whether the area needs separate volume control

This makes the installation easier to manage, test, and troubleshoot.


How should I place multiple Streams?

Place each Stream close to the Omni speakers it controls.

For the best wireless performance:

  • Place the Stream as centrally as possible in its area

  • Avoid placing the Stream inside metal cabinets or closed technical racks

  • Avoid placing it near elevators or large metal structures

  • Make sure the antennas are properly attached

  • Keep reasonable distance between multiple Streams

  • As a guideline, place Streams at least 15 meters apart where possible

Good Stream placement is one of the most important parts of a successful installation.


How should I pair Omnis when using multiple Streams?

When installing multiple Streams in the same location, the Streams should be paired one at a time to avoid Omnis connecting to the wrong Stream.

Streams are not paired to each other. Instead, each Omni speaker is paired to the specific Stream that should control it.

Recommended pairing process:

  1. Start with only one Stream in pairing mode.

  2. Power on only the Omnis that should be paired to that Stream.

  3. Complete the pairing process for that area.

  4. Label the Stream according to its area or zone.

  5. Test that the correct Omnis respond to volume changes from that Stream.

  6. Turn off the Stream of the Omni/Stream Group you just paired.

  7. Repeat the process for the next Stream and its Omnis.

Avoid putting multiple Streams in pairing mode at the same time. This reduces the risk of Omnis being paired to the wrong Stream and makes the installation easier to test and troubleshoot.

🧠Pro tip: Pre-pair the system before going on-site

For a smoother installation, we recommend pairing the Streams and Omnis before arriving at the location whenever possible.

This allows you to prepare the configuration in advance, check that the correct Omnis are connected to the correct Stream, and label each Stream according to the area it will be installed in. Once on-site, the installation becomes faster and the risk of pairing Omnis to the wrong Stream is reduced.


Can all Streams be connected to the same local network?

Yes. Multiple Streams can be connected to the same local network using Ethernet.

This allows each Stream to come online and be managed through Spottune Cloud.

The network connection is used for:

  • Cloud access

  • Remote management

  • Volume control

  • Source selection

  • Speaker overview

  • Signal strength monitoring

  • Zone management

  • Software updates


Do Streams share audio through the local network?

No. Streams do not share audio with each other through the local network.

Connecting multiple Streams to the same network allows them to be managed in Spottune Cloud, but it does not send audio from one Stream to another.

Each Stream must receive its own audio input.


How do I make multiple Streams play the same music?

If multiple Streams should play the same music, the audio signal must be distributed separately to each Stream.

This can be done using:

  • A music player with multiple outputs

  • An audio matrix

  • A DSP

  • A mixer

  • A line distribution amplifier

  • A stereo splitter for smaller installations

  • Dedicated CAT cabling with suitable audio adapters

Each Stream must receive the audio signal through its own input.


Can I use CAT/network cables to send audio to a Stream?

Yes, but only as a dedicated analogue audio cable.

In some installations, CAT cabling can be used to extend an analogue audio signal from a central source to a Stream. This requires suitable adapters, such as RJ45 to 3.5mm audio adapters.

Lindy RJ45 to 3.5mm Audio Adapter
Extends analogue audio via CAT cable.

Important: This is not audio-over-IP. The CAT cable must be a direct point-to-point cable and should not be connected through a network switch, router, or active network equipment.


Can one Stream send audio to another Stream?

No. One Stream cannot forward its audio to another Stream.

If several Streams need to play the same source, the audio must be split before the Streams and sent directly to each one.


Can different Streams play different audio?

Yes. Each Stream can play its own audio source.

This is useful if different areas of the location need different music or volume levels, for example:

  • Retail area

  • Restaurant area

  • Reception

  • Outdoor area

  • Staff area

  • Separate floors or rooms

Each Stream can be controlled individually in Spottune Cloud.


What does a typical multi-Stream setup look like?

A typical setup could look like this:

  1. A central music player is installed in a technical room.

  2. The audio output is connected to a mixer, DSP, splitter, or audio distribution unit.

  3. The audio signal is sent separately to each Stream.

  4. Each Stream is connected to the local network using Ethernet.

  5. Each Stream controls the Omni speakers in its own area.

  6. The installation is managed through Spottune Cloud.

This setup allows several Streams to play the same audio while maintaining stable wireless coverage across the location.


What should I check before handing over the installation?

Before completing the installation, check that:

  • Each Stream is connected to the local network

  • Each Stream is visible in Spottune Cloud

  • Each Stream is set to the correct input source

  • The audio signal is connected to each Stream

  • All Omni speakers are paired to the correct Stream

  • Speaker signal strength is stable

  • Volume levels are adjusted correctly

  • Each area plays the expected audio


What should I do if one area has poor signal?

If some Omni speakers have poor signal strength, try the following:

  • Move the Stream closer to the speakers

  • Reposition the Stream antennas

  • Check for walls, metal structures, or elevators between the Stream and speakers

  • Avoid placing the Stream in a closed rack or cabinet

  • Consider adding another Stream for that area

Adding an extra Stream is often the best solution if the distance or building layout makes the wireless signal unreliable.


What should I do if the Streams are online but not playing the same music?

If the Streams are online but not playing the same music, check the audio distribution.

Remember that the network connection does not distribute audio between Streams.

Check that:

  • The audio source is connected to all Streams

  • The mixer, splitter, DSP, or audio matrix is working correctly

  • Each Stream is set to the correct source input

  • The AUX cables are connected correctly

  • The source volume is high enough


Summary

When installing multiple Streams in one location, each Stream should be treated as its own wireless coverage area.

The most important points are:

  • Each Stream controls its own paired Omni speakers

  • Each Stream should be placed close to its speaker area

  • Pair one Stream and its Omnis at a time

  • Pre-pair and label the system before going on-site whenever possible

  • All Streams can be connected to the same local network for Cloud access

  • Audio is not shared between Streams through LAN

  • The audio signal must be distributed separately to each Stream

Following these principles helps ensure a stable and reliable multi-Stream installation.

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