VSSL FAQs

We know that the VSSL amplifiers are designed to be easy to use. However, we do know that there are some instances where you just can’t figure out how to fix an issue. So we have compiled all of your frequently asked questions and made it easily accessible for you.

1. What do I do to keep the zones from dropping? (A.1, A.3, A.6)
   • This is almost always a network issue. The key is to understand your network to avoid going in circles. 
     1. First, we always recommend using name brand, well known, commonly used networking equipment. If you are using a no-name brand, or something known for being problematic, the chances are this is what is causing your problems. Your networking gear needs the ability to enable and allow UPnP, Multicast, and Bonjour.
     2. Second, make sure you have UPnP, Multicast, and Bonjour enabled. 
     3. Third, make sure your VSSL unit or VSSL units are all plugged into the same network switch.
     4. Fourth, if you are using multiple access points on a project, you will need to make sure you are using the access point controller most appropriate to control your access points.
     5. Fifth, check and test your network cables to assure a secure and reliable connection.
     6. Sixth, if you are connecting to the network via wifi (A.1 only), assure that the unit is within range of your wi-fi router or access point
     7. If after all of this, you continue to have zones dropping, please contact our tech support team.
2. I am unable to control the volume properly on the A.1.
   • Check to see if you are using the pre-amp outputs. If you are, you need to verify that the “fixed output” setting is turned off. *Go to the VSSL app ->Menu-> Settings -> Select A.1 -> Bus Output -> Toggle the “fixed volume” setting.
3. I am having difficulty setting up the zones on the A.1,  A.3, and A.6.
   1. First, verify the light status on the front of your VSSL unit(s). If it’s flashing white, it’s ready for setup.
   2. Second, check to make sure the device you are using to set up the VSSL device(s) are on the same local area network (LAN). 
   3. Third, check to see if you can see the zones in your Google Home app. If you can’t see them, you will need to adjust the network setting to ensure UPnP, Multicast, and Bonjour are enabled.
   4. If you continue to not be able to set up the zones, please contact technical support.
4. How do you cast from YouTube?
   • Check out this handy YouTube link: **Youtube Link**
5. The sound is coming out with strange digital tones, what is wrong? (A.1, A.3)
   • We typically see this with the A.1 and A.3 when using digital inputs. The optical and digital inputs only accept PCM audio and not the surround encoded signals like Dolby or DTS. You can correct this by going into your source device settings and change your audio format to PCM.
6. I need assistance with the Bus inputs on the VSSL unit. (A.3 & A.6)
   • Check out this handy YouTube link: **Youtube Link**
7. How do you create multiple zones? (A.1, A.3, A.6)
   • Check out this handy YouTube link: **Youtube Link**
8. The A.1 is not joining a group of Airplay2 devices in a party zone.
   • The A.1 will need to be updated to Airplay 2. Using the VSSL app, check the firmware version and call into tech support.
9. The Google Home commands are not registering? (A.1, A.3, A.6)
   • Generally, Google Voice is extremely picky with the way that the commands are said. If you say, “increase” or “decrease”, the volume will only go up and down by 10%. Google also only uses scales of 1-10 or 10% to 100%. *For more info
10.  Are you able to run a subwoofer on the bus output of VSSL units? (A.1, A.3, A.6)
    • Check out this handy YouTube link: **Youtube Link**
11.  How do I access the VSSL A.1 Bluetooth connection?
    • The VSSL A.1 continually broadcasts an open Bluetooth connection. If you cannot see it on your list of available Bluetooth devices, you will need to power cycle the unit and you should be able to find it afterward.
12.  Can you control the VSSL outside of the VSSL app? (A.1, A.3, A.6)
    • The A.1 can learn basic IR commands from any popular IR remote. This includes volume up, volume down and mute. For more advanced control of the entire VSSL product line outside of the mobile app, you can leverage the available drivers for Control4 and URC. Other automation systems will be supported shortly.
13.  How do I set the input on an A.1 unit?
    • Once the VSSL has been set up using the Google Home app, go into the VSSL app, and name the appropriate input. From within the VSSL app, you can also set what you would like to take as a priority. Either audio streaming first, or a hard-wired input first. From there it is auto-sensing.
14.  Does Alexa work with VSSL?
    • No. Alexa will be supported on all VSSL units by April 2021.
15.  How do I set up RCA outputs? (A.1, A.3, A.6)
    • Once the VSSL unit(s) have been set up in the Google Home App, the outputs on the A.1 are already ready to go. There isn’t a need to do anything further. On the A.3 and A.6, you need to go into the bus outputs in the VSSL app under settings and pick which zone(s) the bus outputs need to mirror.*For more info
16.  How do I connect a crown amp to a VSSL unit? (A.1, A.3, A.6)
    • Check out this handy YouTube link:  *Video Link
17.  How do I set up party zones across multiple devices? (A.1, A.3, A.6)
    • Check out this handy YouTube link: **Youtube Link**
18.  Can you block people from streaming to the device?
    • There is not currently a way to block devices from streaming to VSSL. Other than restricting who has access to your wireless network.
19.  My A.3 unit has weird lights, or strange flashing lights, after updating it.
    • Please conduct a factory reset to resolve this issue. You may need to do this twice.
20.  What do I do if my zones are not being seen on a managed network? (A.3, A.6)
    • The A.3 requires 4 IP reservations and the A.6 requires 7. You will also need to make sure your VLAN settings allow wireless devices to see wired devices. Finally, please assure UPnP, Multicast, and Bonjour are enabled.
21.  I am unable to get the MAC addresses for the Control4 driver. (A.1, A.3, A.6)
    • You will need to make sure the VSSL unit(s) are set up in the Google Home Application first. From there, use the auto-discover feature in the Control4 driver to discover the MAC addresses. Once you click discover, it can take up to sixty seconds for the MAC address to populate.
22.  What do you do when the VSSL unit is stuck in a boot loop after doing a firmware update?
    • From the user’s phone log into the VSSL app before the update is complete, select the factory reset.

If you have any other questions or problems with a VSSL unit, our support team is always available during normal business hours to assist you.