FONESTAR MAX-240Z

Product overview

The FONESTAR MAX-240Z is a 240 W RMS multi-zone PA amplifier with 4 speaker zones, a built-in Bluetooth/USB/FM player, 4 mic/line inputs with priority and an emergency input for alarm and evacuation systems.

Designed by FONESTAR, the MAX-240Z uses a modern class D amplifier with high efficiency and reliability and an SMPS switched-mode power supply, so it covers any space through long working days. Its 4 output zones let you set a different volume level in each zone and switch each one on or off, and messages can be sent to the zones with a ZONEMIC-6 zone microphone. It is made for public address and background music installations with many 100 V line loudspeakers, and also has 70 V and 4 Ω outputs for transformerless loudspeakers. The built-in player is the source of background music, and the microphone inputs make announcements with chime tones, attenuating the auxiliary inputs and activating the attenuator priority outputs. It works on a desktop or in a 19 inch rack (2 U).

Key features

• Class D PA amplifier, 240 W RMS, with SMPS switched-mode power supply
• Bluetooth/USB/FM player for background music, with autoplay at power on
• ZONEMIC-6 zone microphone input and remote wall panel input (RJ45)
• 4 balanced mic/line inputs with phantom 48 V, mix, gain and priority level control
• Chime generator and 3 stereo auxiliary inputs
• Emergency input and mute for connection to alarm and evacuation systems
• 24 V attenuator priority and 3rd wire output (100 V) with priority
• 100 V, 70 V and 4 Ω outputs, or 4 zones with 7-position volume control and Off
• Bass and treble tone controls, ±10 dB at 100 Hz and 10 kHz
• Induction cooling without fan: silent and maintenance-free

Zones for every area

The speaker output gives 100 V, 70 V or 4 Ω, or 4 separate 100 V zones. Each zone has a 7-position volume selector with Off on the rear panel, and a button and light on the front panel to switch it on or off. Each zone up to 240 W RMS; all zones together up to 240 W RMS.

Priority for messages and emergencies

Inputs follow a clear order of priority: EMERGENCY IN (100 V or line, with VOX level), REMOTE MUTE by contact closure, the ZONEMIC-6 zone microphone, the remote wall panel, CH 1 (VOX 2), CH 2-4 (VOX 3) and finally the auxiliary inputs and the player. Any input with priority enabled also activates the 24 V output for 4-wire attenuators with a priority relay and the 3rd wire output that passes the 100 V message to 3-wire attenuators at full level.

Built-in player

The Bluetooth 5.3/USB/FM player starts playback automatically when the amplifier is switched on, remembers the last mode and the play mode (random or repeat), and has its own keys on the front panel: MODE, previous/next and play/pause. In FM mode a long press stores all the stations with enough signal.

Installer-friendly connections

Combo (XLR + 6.3 mm) and euroblock connectors give a secure, durable, low-maintenance connection. DIP switches on each channel set mic or line sensitivity, phantom 48 V, chime and VOX priority. PRE OUT and AMP IN with a link jumper let the preamplifier and power stages be used separately, and REC OUT feeds a recorder.

In the box

• MAX-240Z amplifier
• FM antenna
• Bluetooth antenna
• Power cable
• Rack mounts

Available versions

• MAX-240Z: black

FONESTAR MAX-240Z: frequently asked questions

How many zones does the FONESTAR MAX-240Z have?

It has 4 100 V speaker zones, each with a 7-position volume selector and Off. You can also use the single 100 V, 70 V or 4 Ω speaker output.

Can it be connected to an alarm or evacuation system?

Yes. The EMERGENCY IN input accepts a line or 100 V signal and has the highest priority, and REMOTE MUTE silences all other inputs by contact closure.

Does it work with volume attenuators?

Yes. It has a 24 V priority output for 4-wire attenuators with a priority relay and a 3rd wire (100 V) priority output for 3-wire attenuators.

Can it be mounted in a rack?

Yes. It is a 2 U 19 inch unit (430 x 89 x 320 mm) and rack mounts are included; it can also be used on a desktop.

Where can I buy the FONESTAR MAX-240Z in India?

The FONESTAR MAX-240Z is available from Shivansh Electronics, Kolkata, West Bengal, India, with delivery across India.

Workflow 1: Shop or showroom with zones

Background music and announcements in separate sales areas.

Connections

Setup

1. Wire each area's 100 V loudspeakers to its own zone output.
2. Start the player in Bluetooth, USB or FM mode.
3. Set each zone's volume on the rear selector.
4. Switch zones on or off from the front panel as needed.

Tip: Keep the sum of the loudspeaker taps within the amplifier power.

Workflow 2: School or office paging

Bells, announcements and messages to chosen zones.

Connections

Setup

1. Connect the zone microphone with network cable, up to 200 m.
2. Select the zones on the microphone and speak.
3. Music on the auxiliary inputs and player is attenuated automatically.
4. Use the chime generator before each message.

Tip: Up to 4 ZONEMIC-6 units can be cascaded.

Workflow 3: Alarm and evacuation link

Evacuation messages over the background music system.

Connections

Setup

1. Connect the emergency signal to EMERGENCY IN.
2. Set the activation level with VOX 1.
3. Wire a contact to REMOTE MUTE to silence the other inputs.
4. Test that messages reach every zone at full level.

Tip: EMERGENCY IN accepts 100 V and COM signals only, not split ±50 V outputs.

Workflow 4: Hotel with volume attenuators

Rooms and halls with local volume controls that must open for messages.

Connections

Setup

1. Wire the attenuators between the zone line and the loudspeakers.
2. Connect the priority wire (3 WIRE) or the 24 V line.
3. Enable priority on the paging inputs with the VOX DIP switches.
4. Check that messages play at full level even with the attenuator down.

Tip: Priority messages bypass the local volume setting.

Workflow 5: Restaurant or bar

Music with live announcements from a microphone.

Connections

Setup

1. Set the CH 1 DIP switch to MIC, with phantom 48 V for a condenser microphone.
2. Play music from the player or AUX 1-3.
3. Set CH 1 priority with VOX 2 so speech lowers the music.
4. Adjust BASS and TREBLE on the rear panel.

Tip: The amplifier is fanless, so it stays silent in quiet spaces.

Workflow 6: Factory or sports hall

High-power PA over long 100 V lines.

Connections

Setup

1. Install the amplifier in a 19 inch rack with the supplied rack mounts.
2. Wire the loudspeakers in parallel on the 100 V line.
3. Connect a remote wall panel for local source and volume control.
4. Set master and channel volumes and check the CLIP light.

Tip: 240 W RMS covers large areas with many 100 V loudspeakers.