When several Streams at one location need the same audio, distribute the signal from the source to each Stream separately. We recommend a line distribution amplifier or a line mixer with independently driven outputs and a separate level control for each Stream.
Each Stream receives its own audio input and transmits to the speakers paired with it. Streams do not forward audio to each other.
Important: In this setup, CAT6 carries analogue audio. It must not pass through a network switch, router or PoE equipment, and it must not connect to the Stream LAN socket. Use matching analogue audio adapters and dedicated cable routes. This is not an audio-over-IP solution.
Choose your distribution method
Method | Individual output level control | Separate output drivers | Recommended use |
Line distribution amplifier or suitable line mixer | Yes, on the selected unit | Yes, on the selected unit | Our recommended method, especially for longer runs and several Streams |
Dedicated bus-wired audio patch panel | No | No | Passive distribution where the source can drive the complete installation |
Compatible pin-for-pin CAT6 Y-splitter | No | No | A simple passive split, after checking wiring and source loading |
Check the unit before ordering. A mixer that only combines several inputs into one output does not provide the independently driven outputs needed for the recommended setup.
Recommended setup
Connect the shared source to the distribution unit. From each output, build a separate branch through a ground loop isolator, an audio adapter, dedicated CAT6 and a matching adapter at the Stream.
Figure 1. Recommended music distribution. Repeat one complete branch for each Stream.
Independent output drivers reduce interaction between cable branches and allow the level to be adjusted for each Stream. They do not necessarily provide galvanic isolation. Use a suitable ground loop isolator on each output-to-Stream audio path, as shown above.
What you need
For N Streams receiving the same music source, prepare:
One music player or other compatible line-level source.
One distribution unit with at least N independently driven outputs and individual output level controls.
N suitable ground loop isolators.
N dedicated CAT6 cable routes.
2N compatible analogue audio adapters: one at each end of every route.
The short audio cables and connector interfaces needed for your equipment.
For example, four Streams require four music branches, four isolators and eight audio adapters. A separate shared microphone feed requires another set of audio branches, plus a suitable microphone preamplifier and distribution unit. Ethernet management cables are additional.
Adapter example: The Lindy 70450 analogue audio extender uses 3.5 mm stereo connections and CAT5e or CAT6 cabling. Select compatible adapters for your installation and check the manufacturer’s instructions.
Step 1 — Plan and label the installation
Mark each Stream, its coverage area and its speakers on the floor plan.
Choose an accessible position for the source and distribution equipment.
Allocate one distribution output and one dedicated CAT6 route to each Stream.
Label both ends of each route AUDIO ONLY, with the area name and signal type, such as First floor — Music.
Record route lengths and any passive patch points.
Test the longest complete branch before committing to all cable routes. Cable distance depends on the adapter, cable, output stage and connected equipment. A product’s advertised maximum is not a guaranteed distance for every installation or passive split.
Step 2 — Test the dedicated CAT6 routes
Disconnect both ends from all equipment.
Check continuity, wire mapping and shorts with a suitable cable tester.
Confirm that every patch point belongs to the dedicated audio route.
Confirm that the route is completely disconnected from Ethernet and PoE.
A normal passive patch panel can route independent audio branches. Keep those ports electrically separate. A panel modified to split one source is a different arrangement, described below.
Step 3 — Connect the source and first Stream
Turn distribution output levels down and mute the Streams.
Connect the player’s LINE OUT to the distribution input.
Route that input to the required outputs on the distribution unit.
Connect output 1 to a suitable ground loop isolator.
Connect the isolator to the source-end audio adapter.
Connect the dedicated CAT6 route between the two matching adapters.
Connect the far-end adapter to AUX IN on Stream 1.
The complete path is:
Source → distribution input → individual output → isolator → audio adapter → dedicated CAT6 → matching adapter → Stream AUX IN
Check connector wiring. Stereo TRS and balanced mono TRS connections use the same connector shape differently. Use the correct interface, and never join left and right output channels together to create mono.
Step 4 — Connect the remaining Streams
Repeat Step 3 with a separate distribution output, isolator, adapter pair and CAT6 route for each Stream. Label every output with its destination.
Do not connect distribution outputs together or route the audio through another Stream.
If Cloud management is required, connect each Stream’s LAN socket to the network using a separate Ethernet cable. That management connection does not distribute this shared analogue source between Streams.
Step 5 — Pair speakers and select AUX
Pair and verify one Stream and its intended speakers at a time. Keep the other Streams out of pairing mode so speakers do not join the wrong group. Follow the guides for Stream pairing and Omni pairing.
On each Stream, select AUX for the zone or zones receiving the shared music. Check that any Cloud routines preserve the intended input selection.
Step 6 — Set the signal levels
Play representative music, including louder passages.
Set the source and distribution input for a clean signal without clipping.
Start each branch output and Stream volume low.
Raise the branch output gradually, then set the Stream and zone volumes for the area.
Use the labelled output knob to trim each branch, and record the final settings.
If the signal is distorted, check and reduce the level at the stage causing overload. Lowering the final listening volume cannot repair distortion introduced earlier in the chain.
Step 7 — Add a shared microphone if required
Use a second, separate audio star when microphone announcements should reach every Stream through MIC IN while music stays connected to AUX IN.
Figure 2. Connections at each Stream. Repeat the music and microphone branches for every required area. The LAN connection is separate.
Connect the microphone to a suitable microphone preamplifier or mixer.
Feed a compatible line output into the microphone distribution unit.
Build one output branch per Stream, with its own isolator, adapter pair and dedicated CAT6 route.
Connect each microphone branch to MIC IN, using the correct level and connector wiring for the installed equipment.
Start with the microphone output low and adjust for clear speech without distortion.
Test an announcement in every area. Verify that music mutes during the announcement and resumes afterwards.
Leave the microphone idle and confirm that music continues normally. Check gain, noise and microphone controls if music remains muted.
Do not assume that a microphone can connect correctly through a passive XLR-to-minijack adapter alone. Mixing the microphone into the music feed at the central mixer is also a different arrangement: it does not provide the separate MIC IN priority path shown here.
Alternative A — A dedicated audio patch panel
A standard patch panel does not split audio automatically. A dedicated passive distribution panel can be built with separate same-pin buses across its allocated ports. This must be carried out by a competent installer using a suitable panel.
Figure 3. Logical pin-to-pin wiring, not a physical terminal layout. Each pin number forms its own bus.
Reserve one port for the source and one port per Stream branch.
With all equipment disconnected, connect pin 1 to pin 1 across the allocated ports.
Repeat separately for pins 2 through 8, following the approved adapter wiring.
Test same-pin continuity across all ports and check that different pin numbers are not shorted.
Label the complete panel ANALOGUE AUDIO ONLY — NO ETHERNET OR PoE.
Connect one source through its audio adapter, then add the outgoing branches one at a time.
Fit a suitable ground loop isolator in each branch audio path and retest every area with all branches connected.
An eight-port panel has space for one source and seven branch connections. This is a port count, not a guarantee that the source can drive seven Streams and their cables.
The passive panel provides no output gain, buffering or individual level control. Use the recommended active distribution method if adding a branch causes loss, noise, distortion or changes in other areas.
Alternative B — A CAT6 Y-splitter
Use only a verified pin-for-pin parallel splitter compatible with the audio adapters. Some RJ45 splitters divide Ethernet pairs instead of duplicating pins and cannot be used interchangeably.
With equipment disconnected, verify the mapping. Connect one source and add the branches one at a time, checking all areas after each addition. As with the patch panel, the source must drive the combined load. Do not connect two source outputs to the same splitter.
Final checks
Every audio-only route is labelled and separate from Ethernet and PoE.
All Streams play the expected music with every branch connected.
Each Stream controls only its assigned speakers.
Audio remains clean on the longest branch and at normal operating volume.
Where fitted, announcements reach all required areas and music resumes reliably.
Doorways and other overlapping coverage areas have been checked by listening. A shared source alone does not establish phase alignment between independent Streams.
Inputs and operating levels are verified after a controlled restart.
Staff know which level controls to use and which RJ45 ports are reserved for audio.
Troubleshooting
Symptom | What to check |
No music anywhere | Source playback, distribution power and routing, output levels, AUX selection and whether MIC IN is holding priority |
No music in one area | Branch level, plugs, isolator, adapter pair and CAT6 continuity; test AUX IN with a known-good short local source |
Weak or distorted audio | Source and input clipping, output level, connector wiring and passive split loading |
Hum or buzz | Branch isolator, short audio cables and interference along the route; never remove protective mains earth |
Adding a branch affects other areas | Incorrect pin mapping, shorts or excessive passive loading; use independently driven outputs if needed |
Music stays muted after an announcement | Continuous microphone output, idle noise, excessive gain or a stuck microphone control |
For speaker or wireless coverage issues, see My speakers are not playing.
If you need support, provide the signal diagram, equipment models, Stream IDs, cable lengths, input selections and the checks already completed.