tm Concert Series EQUALIZER/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 4, 5, and 6 (on pages 9, 10, and 11) when installing the EQL Equalizer. The unit is shipped from our factory with the Programmable Frequency Match filter module set at 30 Hz (see page 18 to change this). For information on other system applications or related topics, please read further. ○ ○ ○ ○ ○ ○ ○ ○ ○ ○ ○ ○ ○ ○ ○ ○ ○ ○ ○ ○ ○ ○ ○ ○ ○ ○ ○ ○ ○ ○ ○ ○ ○ ○ ○ ○ ○ ○ Concert Series Owner’s Manual Table of Contents Introduction ....................................
Congratulations! You have purchased one of the most exciting and innovative audio products available for your car stereo system – the AudioControl EQL Equalizer/Level Matcher. The EQL can make any system sound better. Even if you have followed the true path of enlightenment and are having your new EQL professionally installed, it doesn’t hurt to read this manual. There’s nothing but reruns on the tube anyway! The EQL carries on a great tradition started back in 1985, when we introduced the original EQL.
ä Dual Bandwidth Equalizer – 13 bands The dual bandwidth design of the EQL 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 Level Matching True standards in car stereo are hard to find. Every manufacturer has a slightly different interpretation of things.
ä High Level Inputs The EQL is so flexible that you don’t even need to have pre-amp outputs on your deck to enjoy the benefits of total control. Speaker level signals can be run directly into the EQL, equalized and levelmatched to use any aftermarket amplifier or crossover with your system. There are no limits.
Concert Series Owner’s Manual Figure 1.Top panel layout for EQL Equalizer/Level Matcher.
Description We’ve created the EQL Equalizer/Level Matcher to make any system sound better. This Performance Match™ Component2 features straightforward connections and easy-to-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.
Concert Series Owner’s Manual Figure 2. Front panel layout for EQL Equalizer/Level Matcher. Equalize In Out Line Level Input L R Output L R 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 plug for connection of speaker outputs from a deck or factory stereo. ä EQUALIZE IN/OUT – Press in to engage the equalizer settings on your EQL.
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Installation We strongly suggest you have the EQL professionally installed, but if you are doing it solo this section lists the procedures you’ll need to install the EQL in your vehicle. Before you begin we suggest you read the next few sections to plan the type of system you want. System Applications The EQL Equalizer/Level Matcher is quite versatile. Use it to put together a simple single-amplifier system, as shown in Figure 4 on page 9.
Installation Figure 4. Wiring diagram for EQL Series II in a single amplifier system.
Concert Series Owner’s Manual Figure 5. this wiring diagram shows a 3-way system that uses an EQL with an ESP-2 Spatial Restoration Processor and a 4XS used as a 3-way Crossover.
Installation Figure 6. Wiring diagram shows an EQL with an AudioControl System90 Powered Signal Processor in Bi-Amp Mode.
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 EQL 1. Select a permanent mounting site for the EQL. 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 EQL with self-tapping screws.
(i.e.,“-18”). Set all OUTPUT LEVEL controls for maximum attenuation (i.e.,“- ∞”). Press the EQUALIZE button IN. 4. Reconnect the vehicle’s negative (-) battery lead and proceed to the next section. A djusting the EQL 1. Turn on the head unit or radio. On the EQL, you should see the (red) POWER indicator illuminate. If not, check the power connections, and try again. A test light or digital multi-meter works great for this. 2.
A djusting the EQL (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 EQL 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 the same tape or CD (preferably one containing a variety of acoustic instruments). 8.
NOTE: If the (yellow) OVERLOAD indicator comes on, something is boosted too much. Either bring down the suspect frequency control or adjust the INPUT GAIN controls to reduce the overall gain. 12. As a final check, press the EQUALIZE switch OUT and IN to compare the sound with and without equalization. Try different program sources and make any final adjustments.
Upgrading A F actory Factory (OEM) System Replacing a factory (OEM3) radio gets harder each model year. Besides the non-standard sizes, new models even feature volume and tuning controls imbedded right in the steering wheel! It’s great for convenience, but tough on the knuckles. It seems the boys in Detroit and Japan want to make sure you don’t throw out the original radio and replace it with some better model. In all fairness, today’s crop of factory radios is better.
Upgrading Factory Systems Figure 7. Wiring diagram shows a factory (OEM) system upgraded with the EQL and an AudioControl System90 Powered Signal Processor to create a superlative 2-way system.
Making Y our Own Your Programmable F requency Frequency Match Modules The EQL comes with an 18 dB per octave Programmable Frequency Match low-cut filter module already set to 33 Hz. This will act as a subsonic filter, protecting your woofers. If you have large woofers (i.e., 12" or 15"), you may want a lower frequency module. With smaller woofers (i.e., 6" or 8"), use a higher frequency Programmable Frequency Match module.
INNARDS (top view) Figure 8. Removing the top panel lets you access the internal Programmable Frequency Match module and Bypass Switch. ○ ○ ○ ○ ○ ○ ○ ○ ○ ○ ○ ○ ○ ○ ○ ○ ○ ○ ○ ○ ○ ○ ○ ○ ○ ○ ○ ○ ○ ○ ○ ○ ○ ○ ○ ○ ○ ○ Making Modules Doing The Deed 1. Turn the system power off. 2. Remove the top panel and locate the Programmable Frequency Match module, as shown in Figure 8. 3. Change the module. 4. Replace the top panel and tighten the screws. 5. Turn the system power on.
Troubleshooting Problem Try This No Sound Make certain the PFM module is installed. See page 19. Are the input and output level controls adjusted? See page 13. No Power Check the +12 volt, ground, and remote turn-on leads. Hiss Turn down the input levels on the amplifier. Use the output controls on the EQL to bring the volume back up. See page 13.
Unabashed Plug! In addition to the EQL, 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 EQL. 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 EQL. If anyone other than (a), (b) or (c) messes with your EQL 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 EQL is used improperly. Now, that sounds like a big loophole, but here is all we mean by it.
Concert Series Owner’s Manual Block Diagram Figure 9. Block diagram of the EQL Equalizer/Level Matcher.
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: 7.5 volts rms Input Gain: ± 18 dB PFM Filter Slope: 18 dB per octave PFM Frequency: Programmable 15 to 100 Hz Factory Shipped @ 33Hz Power Supply: Variable isolation. Transformer switching supply Fuse Rating: 2 amps Size: 1.25" h x 8.9" w x 6.
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