3950 NW 120th Ave, Coral Springs, FL 33065 TEL 561-955-9770 FAX 561-955-9760
Mercedes Benz NTG5+ MOST150 to 12-channel Analog & Digital sound processor
`
NTV-KIT871
WARNING: Do not connect any RCA cables to the ZEN-M interface or
additional processors prior to properly grounding aftermarket amplifier(s)!
BHM/TY
11/19/20
NTV-DOC319
Overview
The NAV-TV ZEN-M processor seamlessly converts late model Mercedes factory MOST-150 audio bus to 12channel analog RCA and TOSLink output. Adding aftermarket amplifiers to the OE NTG5, 5.1, 5.2 or 5.5 system
has never been so simple and seamless. This kit integrates with the OEM M.O.S.T.® bus to retain volume
control, full fade (analog only) and balance, treble, mid-range, bass control & Bluetooth voice calls with no
external speaker (true OEM integration). NOTE: vehicles not equipped with a factory amplified system must
be flashed with NAV-TV’s ZEN-M-PRG (NTV-KIT866, sold separately) prior to installation. Vehicles equipped
with an OEM amplifier do not need to be flashed.
Kit Content
ZEN Power Harness
NTV-HAR316
ZEN MOST Fiber
NTV-CAB134
ZEN-M Interface
NTV-ASY272
USB Cable (updates)
NTV-CAB009
ZEN RCA Harness
NTV-HAR315
ZEN-M overview
USB (updates)
Power
connector
Status LED
TOSLink output
MOST 150 fiber input
--FUTURE USE--
--FUTURE USE--
DIP switches
Analog RCA outputs
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ZEN-M Compatibility (NTG5, NTG5.1, NTG5.2, NTG5.5)
NOTE: All vehicles require NTG5+
radio, regardless if listed on this
chart. See radio pictures (below)
to gain an idea of what to look
for. NTG5, 5.1, 5.2, 5.5
Month, Year(s)
09/2015+
11/2014+
Any 2014+
Any 2015+
03/2015+
08/2014+
08/2014+
11/2014+
06/2015+
10/2016+
09/2016+
09/2015+
Any 2016+
Any 2016+
11/2015+
Any 2015+
08/2015+
Any 2016+
Any 2014+
Any 2014+
Any 2015+
Make
Mercedes
Mercedes
Mercedes
Mercedes
Mercedes
Mercedes
Mercedes
Mercedes
Mercedes
Mercedes
Mercedes
Mercedes
Mercedes
Mercedes
Mercedes
Mercedes
Mercedes
Mercedes
Mercedes
Mercedes
Mercedes
Chassis
W176
W246
W205
C205
X117
X218
W218
W212
C207
W463
X166
X156
X253
C292
X166
C190
W166
R172
C217, W222, X222
W447
X222
Model
A-Class
B-Class
C-Class Sedan
C-Class Coupe
CLA-Shooting B
CLS-Shooting B
CLS Coupe
E-Class Sedan
E-Class Coupe
G-Class
GL
GLA
GLC
GLE
GLS
GT AMG
ML
SLC
S-Class
V
Maybach
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ZEN-M Installation
1. If this vehicle has a factory amplifier, it must be removed and the ZEN-M can be installed into its place.
If this vehicle is not amplified from factory, install the ZEN-M behind the radio.
2. Connect the following wires from the
provided power harness:
Wire Side
ZEN-M pin
1
3
4
6
Color
Yellow
Violet
Black
Blue
To vehicle:
12v (+) Constant
--Reserved, NOT USED-Ground (-)
12v (+) remote output*
*This remote wire must be used for aftermarket amplifier remote for proper functionality. A relay must be used
for reliable turn-on.
3. Before connecting power to the ZEN-M, adjust dip-switch settings for the desired
options:
TOSLink
DownMix*
DIP 3
Loudness
Full Scale
output (0 dB)
DownMix ON
Loudness
OFF
Driver Focused -12 dB output
DownMix OFF
Loudness ON
Position
UP
(off)
DOWN
(on)
Time
Alignment
DIP 1
Attenuation
Front Row
DIP 2
DIP 4*
Vehicle Settings
DIP 5
Phone
Attenuation
OFF
Phone
Attenuation
ON
DIP 6
OFF
OFF
*NOTE: DownMix ON mixes vocals from center channel into Front and Rear L+R output channels.
4. If using analog RCAs for signal to the amplifier, connect according to the reference chart below.
WARNING: Do not connect RCA cables to this interface until all amplifiers/external processors are
properly grounded. Failure to do this may cause damage to the interface and VOID the warranty!
1
Left
Front
2
Right
Front
3
Left
Front
4
Right
Front
5
Left
Front
6
Right
Front
7
Left Rear
Door
8
Right Rear
Door
9
Left Rear
Center
10
Right Rear
Center
11
Center
12
Sub
5. If using TOSLink for signal to the amplifier, connect the cable to the TOSLink port shown on page 2.
NOTE: both Analog and Digital output sound simultaneously, regardless of which type is used.
6. Connect the provided MOST Fiber Cable from the (previously removed) amplifier, or from the radio’s
fiber port to the MOST port on the ZEN-M. NOTE: if fiber already exists at the head unit (for SAT radio,
etc), you must add the provided MOST fiber cable into the OEM MOST loop (see next page).
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ZEN-M General Installation Notes
•
This interface can be installed in vehicles with or without an amplifier & with or without MOST fiber
optic presently installed.
1. Vehicles with fiber amplifier: the amplifier must be removed. Connect the OEM fiber previously
connected to the amp, directly into the ZEN-M.
2. Vehicles without OEM amplifier or MOST fiber: Use the supplied fiber optic extension and
connect from the fiber port behind the radio to the MOST fiber port on the ZEN-M. NOTE: If the
vehicle is not equipped with an OEM amplifier, you must program the system for external
amplifier for the ZEN-M to operate properly. Use NAV-TV’s ZEN-M-PRG programmer (NTVKIT866 sold separately).
3. Vehicles without amplifier but still equipped with fiber*: Disconnect the fiber from the radio,
disassemble the fiber coupler and route the provided MOST extension into the factory MOST
loop like shown below (to continue proper MOST data flow):
*NOTE: in this scenario, the vehicle still must be programmed for external amp (see red note above).
•
•
•
Tuning tips:
1. Before beginning tuning process (especially with external EQ/Processors), set Bass & Treble on
the head unit for each source to flat (0).
2. Begin with amplifier/EQ gains all the way down.
3. With dynamic music playing, adjust the radio volume to maximum.
4. Adjust the amplifier/EQ gains to desired maximum level.
For Mercedes, there is no separate dedicated subwoofer control.
NOTE: The CENTER Channel in some Mercedes vehicles is a DUAL-VOICE coil speaker – one coil is
connected to the factory amp the other coil connects to the OEM Mbrace module – see page 9 for
wiring diagram.
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Multi-Color LED Status Indication
LED Status
Solid Red
Violet
Blinking Red
Blinking Blue
Indication
MOST Active
MOST traffic commands
Peaking (maximum digital signal level achieved)
PC Link with app (future use)
ZEN-M System Layout (analog)
For ZEN-M installations, the factory amplifier MUST be disconnected (if equipped).
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ZEN-M System Layout (digital TOSLink)
For ZEN-M installations,
the factory amplifier
MUST be disconnected
(if equipped).
Mercedes Benz options for audio control
When flashing the vehicle for fiber (if not factory fiber or amp-equipped) using the NAV-TV ZEN-M-PRG
(KIT866), the OEM Mercedes sound system will allow Bass, Treble and Midrange controls.
•
There is no separate subwoofer controller for Mercedes-Benz.
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ZEN DownMix Scenario Examples
Source Signal
DownMix
TOSLink
Output
Stereo
Analog
FRONT OUT
Stereo Front
Analog
SIDE OUT (7,8)
Stereo Rear
Analog REAR
OUT (9,10)
Stereo Rear
Center
Channel OUT
Muted
2 Channel (Music)
ON
2 Channel (Music)
OFF
Stereo
Front
Stereo Front
Stereo Rear
Stereo Rear
Center
5.1
Surround
5.1 Surround
ON
Mixed
Stereo*
Stereo
Front
Mixed
Stereo*
Stereo
Front
Front +
Center
Stereo
Front
Front + Center
Rear +
Center
Rear Back
Surround
Rear + Center
Muted
Stereo Front
Side Surround
Rear +
Center
Rear Back
Surround
Rear +
Center
Rear Back
Surround
OFF
7.1 Surround
ON
7.1 Surround
OFF
Center
Muted
Center
SUB
OUT
Mono
(L+R)
Mono
(L+R)
Mono
(L+R)
LFE**
Mono
(L+R)
LFE**
*Mixed Stereo: (Left = LeftFront + Center + LeftSurround + LFE), (Right = RightFront + Center + RightSurround + LFE)
**LFE: Low Frequency Effects: Surround subwoofer output.
Left Back Surround
Left Side
Left Front
Center Channel
Subwoofer
Right Back Surround
Right Side
Right Front
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Mercedes OEM Center Channel schematic
•
The center channel
speaker in all NTG5+
Mercedes vehicles
are a Dual-Voice Coil
speaker. If replaced,
and not reconnected
to the Mbrace
module (wires), you
will lose audio from
the emergency
telematics system.
Use the diagram
here to connect a
secondary speaker
(or use the OE
speaker) directly to
the Mbrace module
(Gray/Red+, Gray -).
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ZEN-M Technical Specifications
Hardware & Software
Current HW version:
Current SW version:
Compatible SW (update) OS:
--1r0-ZEN-M-2-6-25-20
Windows 7 (64 bit), 8, 10
INPUT
Digital Input
MOST 150 Fiber Optic
OUTPUT
Digital Outputs:
Digital Outputs supported:
Frequency Response (digital):
Analog Outputs:
Output Voltage Peak:
Output Voltage RMS:
Analog Output Type:
S/N Ratio (analog):
Frequency Response (analog):
THD+N @ -1dBFS
DAC
DSP
Delay (Time Alignment)
TOSLink
24bit/48kHz
18Hz – 24kHz
12 channels (RCA)
6v
2.1v
Single-Ended
123dB
18Hz – 24kHz
-94dB
48kHz 32bit
32bit Floating Point
Selectable
Power Supply
Current Consumption Stand-by
Current Consumption Operational
Operational Voltage
Amp Turn-On Output
Amp Turn-On Voltage
Amp Turn-On Current Limitation
<1 mA
350 mA MAX
7V – 20V DC
Automatic
V-batt
500mA
Other
Dimensions:
Weight:
Country of Origin:
4”x5”x1 3/8”
10 oz
USA
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FAQ
•
•
•
For installations with this ZEN processor, make certain that any added amplifier’s ground resistance
(reference vehicle battery ground) does not exceed 1 ohm.
If you’ve installed a third-party DSP (receiving signal from the ZEN, before the amplifier) and you’re
having issues with audio bleeding from one channel to another, echoing Bluetooth phone calls or any
other signal processing issues, rule out the ZEN first by temporarily bypassing the third-party DSP and
running signal directly from the ZEN to the amplifier(s) and verify the problem still exists before
calling technical support.
If the phone/Bluetooth volume is too high, set Dipswitch # 5 down.
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