Concert Series EQUALIZER/CROSSOVER/LEVEL MATCHER OWNER’S MANUAL ® ® ® making good stereo sound better 22410 70th Ave. W., Mountlake Terrace, WA 98043 Phone 425-775-8461 • Fax 425-778-3166 www.audiocontrol.
Quick Installation Info Refer to Figures 3 through 5 (pages 9 to 11) when installing the EQX Equalizer/Crossover. The unit is shipped from our factory with a 90 Hz crossover module already installed, and the Programmable Frequency Match filter module set at 33 Hz (see page 18 to change these). For information on other system applications or related topics, please read further.
Congratulations! You have purchased one of the most exciting and innovative audio products available for your car stereo system – the AudioControl EQX Equalizer/Crossover/Level Matcher. The EQX can make any system sound better. Even if you have followed the true path of enlightenment and are having your new EQX professionally installed, it doesn’t hurt to read this manual.
ä Dual Bandwidth Equalizer – 13 bands The dual bandwidth design of the EQX concentrates more control in the lower bass frequencies where the interior of an automobile causes problems. The higher frequency controls are spaced on octave centers to give you complete control up to 16,000 Hz. No simple dash-mount equalizer gives you this kind of flexibility. ä Programmable 24 dB/Octave 2-way Crossover With module programmability, the electronic crossover in the EQX can be matched up to any stereo system.
ä Bridging Adaptor Bridging an amplifier gives you more power. The EQX can combine the two channels of almost any amplifier into one, for really powerful bass. The result is up to four times the power for your woofers. Where else can you get that good of a deal and still be legal? ○ ○ ○ ○ ○ ○ ○ ○ ○ ○ ○ ○ ○ ○ ○ ○ ○ ○ ○ ○ ○ ○ ○ ○ ○ ○ ○ ○ ○ ○ ○ ○ ○ ○ ○ ○ ○ ○ Introduction IMPORTANT For maximum product performance, nothing is better than a professional system installation.
Concert Series Owner’s Manual Figure 1.Top panel layout for EQX Equalizer/Crossover/ Level Matcher.
Description We’ve created the EQX Equalizer/Crossover/ Level Matcher to make any system sound better. This Performance Match™ Component3 features straightforward connections and easyto-adjust equalizer and level controls. To learn more, read on. Equalizer and Input/Output Level Controls and Indicators The top panel contains all equalizer controls, input/output controls, and system indicators.
Figure 2. Front panel layout for EQX Equalizer/Crossover/Level Matcher. HighLevel Input L R + –- –- ++ Equalize In Out Out LineLevel Input L R R FullRange Output R R L Connections and Equalizer Bypass The front panel contains power and input/ output connections, as well as an equalizer bypass button, as shown in Figure 2 (above). ä HIGH LEVEL INPUT – Our handy 4 pin plug for connection of speaker outputs from a deck or factory stereo.
ä HIGH PASS OUTPUT – RCA jacks for connection of high frequencies above the crossover point to the inputs of the mid/high frequency amplifier. ä LOW PASS OUTPUT – RCA jacks for connection of low frequencies below the crossover point to the inputs of the low frequency amplifier. ä LOW PASS MONO NORMAL/INVERT – RCA jacks for connection of mono low pass signals below the crossover point for mono or bridged amplifier configurations.
Installation We strongly suggest you have the EQX professionally installed, but if you are doing it solo, this section lists the procedures you’ll need to install the EQX in your vehicle. Before you begin, we suggest you read the next few sections to plan the type of system you want.
Installation Figure 3. Wiring diagram for EQX in a bi-amplified system.
Concert Series Owner’s Manual Figure 4. Wiring diagram shows an EQX in a single-amplifier system using a deck and The EPICENTER. 10 Figure 5 (on opposite page). Wiring diagram shows an EQX in a bi-amplified system with an Model 11 Amplified Center Channel Image Processor.
Installation 11
WARNING Before installation, turn off the power to the head unit or radio and disconnect the negative (-) lead of your vehicle’s battery. Mounting the EQX 1. Select a permanent mounting site for the EQX. Make sure you observe the Installation Precautions listed on page 8. 2. Position the unit and use either a felt-tip pen or spring-loaded center punch tool to mark locations for the four mounting holes. 3. Drill a small pilot hole at each marked location. 4. Secure the EQX with self-tapping screws.
4. On the EQX, set all equalizer controls to the flat (i.e.,“0”) position. Set the INPUT GAIN controls for minimum gain (i.e.,“-18”). Set all OUTPUT LEVEL controls for maximum attenuation (i.e.,“-∞”). Press the EQUALIZE button IN. 5. Reconnect the vehicle’s negative (-) battery lead and proceed to the next section. Adjusting the EQX 1. Turn on the head unit or radio. On the EQX, you should see the (red) POWER indicator illuminate. If not, check the power connections, and try again.
Adjusting the EQX (cont’d) NOTE: Consult the amplifier owner’s manual for information on setting its input sensitivity. If adjustable, set each amplifier to accept a signal between 1.0 and 2.0 volts (1000 and 2000 mV). This may be a minimum setting on your amp. Don’t worry, the EQX can still drive it to full volume. If your amp cannot accept 2V you may need to turn the Output Level down a bit. 7. Play a tape or CD (preferably one containing a variety of acoustic instruments). 8.
12. As a final check, press the EQUALIZE switch OUT and IN to compare the sound without and with equalization. Try different program sources and make any final adjustments. Using a Real Time Audio Analyzer (RTA) For a really well-balanced system, we highly recommend using a Real Time Analyzer (like the AudioControl SA-3055) to adjust your vehicle’s sound system. This tool is especially helpful in performing the initial adjustments for multi-amplifier installations.
Amplifier Bridging The EQX comes with LOW PASS MONO Outputs, so you can create a bridged amplifier system that will drive a subwoofer at maximum power output, as shown in Figure 6. This concept will work on almost any amplifier not already equipped with bridging outputs (i.e., an amplifier without common speaker output grounds). Check your amplifier owner's manual to verify that it meets these conditions. In the bridged mode, each channel of the amplifier sees half of the load impedance (i.e.
Amplifier Bridging CAUTION: Limitations in the amplifier power supply will almost always reduce the available current. Therefore, the realized power output will generally be less than four times the amplifier’s power output. Figure 6. Wiring diagram for a bridged amplifier system. Although bridging is the best way to maximize bass output, check the amplifier's manual to make sure it is capable of driving a 2 ohm load, and that it is not already bridged internally.
Making Your Own Crossover and Programmable Frequency Match Modules A crossover network is a circuit that divides the bandwidth of an audio signal into two or more frequency bands, as shown here. Inp ut ○ ○ ○ ○ ○ ○ ○ ○ ○ ○ ○ ○ ○ ○ ○ ○ ○ ○ ○ ○ ○ ○ ○ ○ ○ ○ ○ ○ ○ ○ ○ ○ ○ ○ ○ ○ ○ ○ Concert Series Owner’s Manual High Sounds Crossover Incorporated Figure 7. Here we see Mr. Crossover busy dividing music into high and low bands.
Since component speakers (like woofers, mids, and tweeters) are designed only to reproduce certain frequencies, a crossover allows us to match the speakers needs to the appropriate frequency range4. The correct crossover frequency greatly depends on your choice of speakers. This section presents techniques for improving your installation, especially if you are planning a bi-amplified system or are considering adding a subwoofer.
Making Your Own (cont’d) Additional modules with pre-set frequencies are available from an authorized AudioControl dealer, or you can create a custom crossover and/or low cut filter by using the following formula5: 7200 = Resistor Value (in kohms) Frequency (in Hz) EXAMPLE – For a 2500 Hz crossover, the formula yields a resistor with a value of: 7200 = 2.88 kohms 2500 NOTE: Use only resistors having a tolerance of five percent or better (i.e., 5%, 2%, etc.).
1. Turn the system power off. 2. Remove the top panel and locate the crossover or Performance Frequency Match module, as shown in Figure 8 (on the opposite page). 3. Change the appropriate module. 4. Replace the top panel and tighten the screws. 5. Turn the system power on. ○ ○ ○ ○ ○ ○ ○ ○ ○ ○ ○ ○ ○ ○ ○ ○ ○ ○ ○ ○ ○ ○ ○ ○ ○ ○ ○ ○ ○ ○ ○ ○ ○ ○ ○ ○ ○ ○ Making Modules Troubleshooting 1. If you hear a “buzz” or “whine,” you may have a grounding problem. Check all power connections and cables.
Unabashed Plug! In addition to the EQX, we manufacture a unique line of high-quality Performance Match Components, all designed to work together to give you the best-sounding system, regardless of the type of vehicle you own. These components have won so many awards, the walls in our lobby are SAGGING! The Master Volume Control (MVC) is the ultimate in high Signal-to-Noise design. With your source unit all the way up it is at its maximum S/N ratio, not to mention approaching its highest voltage out.
Warranty People are scared of warranties. Lots of fine print. Lots of noncooperation. Months of waiting around. Well, don’t be scared of this warranty. It’s designed to make you rave about us to your friends. It’s a warranty that looks out for you and helps you resist the temptation to have your friend “who’s good with electronics” try to repair your AudioControl EQX. So go ahead and read this warranty, then enjoy your new component for a few days before sending in the warranty card and comments.
4. You cannot let anybody who isn’t: (a) the AudioControl Factory; (b) an authorized service center; or (c) someone authorized in writing by AudioControl service your EQX. If anyone other than (a), (b) or (c) messes with your EQX Series II, that voids the warranty. 5. The warranty is also void if the serial number has been altered or removed, or if the AudioControl EQX is used improperly. Now, that sounds like a big loophole, but here is all we mean by it.
Specifications Block Diagram Figure 10. Block diagram of the EQX Equalizer/ Crossover/Level Matcher. *NOTE: The Mono Output can be split with a ‘Y’ cord if your amp needs dual mono inputs.
Specifications All specifications are measured at 14.4 Vdc (standard automotive voltage). Frequency Response: 10 Hz to 20 kHz + 1 dB Total Harmonic Distortion (THD): 0.005% Signal to Noise Ratio (SNR): 110 dB at full output Maximum Output Level: 9.
