AND HIGH-POWER SUBWOOFER AMPLIFIERS Installation Manual
Important Safety Instructions 1. 2. 3. 4. 5. 6. 7. 8. 9. 10. 11. 12. 13. Read these instructions. Keep these instructions. Heed all warnings. Follow all instructions. Do not use this apparatus near water. Clean only with a dry cloth. Do not block any ventilation openings. Install in accordance with the manufacturer’s instructions. Do not install near any heat sources such as mufflers, silencers, exhaust pipes, or other apparatus (including amplifiers) that produce heat.
Table of Contents Important Safety Instructions . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .2 Chapter 1: Introduction . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .4 Introduction . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .4 Congratulations! . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .4 Features. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Chapter 1: Introduction Introduction Congratulations! Simply the most advanced subwoofer amplifiers in car audio today! The Epicenter® 600 and 1200 amplifiers incorporate our patented bass restoration processor to deliver earth-shaking power to your subwoofer system. Carefully applied signal processing at just the right spot, enhances the listening experience and maximizes your bass quality.
Chapter 1: Introduction Features Here are some of the features that make the Epicenter 600 and 1200 amplifiers very unique and unlike any other amplifiers: • • Superior Sound Quality Pristine sonics happens first in all AudioControl designs and is not compromised by any other feature. (You often get the feeling that sound quality is an afterthought with products from other companies.
Chapter 1: Introduction Complimentary bullet points • Class D Monoblock Subwoofer Amplifier • High Current Design - 1 Ohm Stable • 600 Watts @ 1 Ohm (The Epicenter 600 Amplifier) • 1200 Watts @ 1 Ohm (The Epicenter 1200 Amplifier) • The Epicenter Digital Bass Restoration • MILC™ Maximum Input Level Control (Patent Pending) • 24 dB/Octave Linkwitz-Riley Alignment Crossover • GTO Signal Sense • PFM Subsonic Filter • Line-Level RCA Inputs and Active Speaker-Level Inputs • Solid One-Pie
Chapter 2: Quick Start Guide Controls (top panel removed) Quick View Front Panel 1 2 3 4 5 6 7 8 9 1. Fuses 40A 10. Power LED 2. Power Input Terminal +12V 11. Protection LED 3. Remote Power Input Terminal 12. GTO Signal Sense 4. Power Input Terminal Ground 5. Speaker-Level Inputs 13. Epicenter Controls: On/Off, Sweep, Wide 6. RCA Analog Line-Level Inputs 7. Expansion Bus In and Out 8. Remote Control Connector 9. Speaker-Level Outputs 14. PFM Subsonic 16Hz/32Hz 15.
Chapter 2: Quick Start Guide Quick Start 1. It only takes a few steps to get your Epicenter amplifier up and running in a flash! The steps below are explained in more detail throughout this manual. 2. Undo the +12V and Ground connections to the car battery before making any connections to the amplifier. 3. When making connections, designate red RCA plugs as right, and designate white, black, or grey plugs as left. This is a good idea for all signal connections made in your audio system.
Chapter 3: Hookup Diagrams Power Connections In this example, the head unit has a +12V trigger output that is connected to the Epicenter’s remote input terminal. When the head unit is turned on, it will turn on the Epicenter amplifier. Head Unit Remote Amplifier +12V Trigger Alternatively, the GTO signal sense feature can be used to gently turn on the Epicenter amplifier when an audio input signal is detected. (And the connection to the Epicenter’s remote input terminal is not required.
Chapter 3: Hookup Diagrams System #1: Adding Subwoofers to a Factory Radio + Factory Radio Speaker-level output + ACR-3 Subwoofers Installation Manual
Chapter 3: Hookup Diagrams System #2: Using the Expansion Bus to run multiple Amplifiers, linked to one Master set of Controls Factory Radio Speaker-level output Expansion Bus Mode: Source Expansion Bus Mode: Link ACR-3 Master Out In + Left Subwoofer + Right Subwoofer 11
Chapter 3: Hookup Diagrams System #3: Using the Expansion Bus to run two Amplifiers to double the power into one Subwoofer Factory Radio Speaker level output 0Ý Source 180Ý Link ACR-3 Master + + Subwoofer Note: In this example, the subwoofer impedance should not be less than 2 Ohms + Installation Manual
Chapter 4: Installation Installation 5. We recommend mounting the Epicenter amplifier in the trunk/boot or cargo area of the vehicle. An alternative location would be under the front seat of your vehicle if there is enough room to install and also to reach the controls. When choosing a location, please keep these things in mind: Always mount the amplifier as far from the antenna in the vehicle as possible.
Chapter 4: Installation 8. The Epicenter amplifier has speaker-level inputs that are designed to accept an amplified, speaker-level signal from a factory source unit or amplifier. You may need to refer to a factory service manual or wiring-harness schematic to determine which wires are the speaker wires for your system. If you are unsure which are the speaker wires, we recommend you look at the color of the speaker wires connected to the speakers and follow them back to the source.
Chapter 4: Installation ACR-3 Dash Control Installation The AudioControl ACR-3 dash control is a dual-function remote for your Epicenter amplifier. It may be mounted under the dash using its own bracket, or through a custom hole in the dash. The endless knob should be within reach of the driver, and in a spot where the two LEDs are plainly visible. Disconnect the vehicle battery +12V and Ground connections before installation. 1.
Chapter 4: Installation Top Lid Removal and Installation The top lid must be removed to gain access to the controls, and then put back on again to protect the controls from dust bunnies, food crumbs, and other dirt and grime. Re-installation Procedure 1. Ensure that the two M3 x 10 mm screws on the straight edge of the lid are present and backed out a tad until the front edge of the screws are flush with the threads in the lid.
Chapter 4: Installation Speaker Connections Establish a standard connection color code and stick with it. One conductor of the speaker wire is normally marked by a different color (silver versus copper) or there is a ribbing on one side. Typically this marked conductor is used for the positive (+) speaker leads. Really good wire has Positive and Negative printed right onto the wire jacket. Match the polarity markings on the unit with the polarity markings on your speakers.
Chapter 5: Features Connection Panel Features 1 2 3 4 5 1. Fuses 40A – There are two fuses on Epicenter 600, and three on the Epicenter 1200 as shown. Replace the fuses only with the exact same style and Ampere rating. Disconnect 12V power before changing or inspecting the fuses. 2. Power Input Terminal +12V – This screw terminal connects to the +12V battery binding post of the vehicle. Use quality insulated wiring of the recommended wire gauge, such as wire gauge 4 or thicker.
Chapter 5: Features 5. Speaker-Level Inputs – The Epicenter amplifier is supplied with a standard greenish plug that allows for easy installation and removal. The speaker-level output from amplifiers and factory installed radios can connect here, so the Epicenter will receive the audio signals and do its subwoofer thing. The left and right audio signals are summed internally to produce a mono subwoofer signal.
Chapter 5: Features Control Panel Features 10 11 12 13 14 15 16 17 18 19 20 Installation Manual
Chapter 5: Features 10. Power LED – If you have connected your battery power, vehicle ground, and turn-on lead (or GTO signal sensing) correctly, then this light should be green to indicate the power is ON. An internal blue glow will also emanate from the heatsink area to indicate that the power is ON. There are times when this blue glow will flash, such as during power-up, and when the protection circuits have detected a problem. See the table below. 11.
Chapter 5: Features 13. EPICENTER Controls: On/Off, Sweep, Wide – The bass response in a system is affected by four factors; The acoustics of the vehicle The location of the speakers The music: how it was recorded AND how it is being played back Speakers and speaker enclosures Because of the variations in the recording process, we developed the Epicenter to help restore any low frequencies lost during the recording process; however, the acoustics of various environments are different.
Chapter 5: Features 16. Gain Control – This control allows you to adjust the overall volume output level in the normal way, with counterclockwise decreasing the volume, and clockwise increasing. Note that the ACR-3 gain control should first be set to maximum, before setting this gain control. The setting procedure is given on the next page, and involves nerves of steel, a steady hand, grit, determination, and the thought that you are making the world a better place for deep bass. 17.
Chapter 6: Adjusting The System Adjusting the System If you have ever listened to a friend’s “Killer” car audio system and were sad to hear lots of hiss, clicks, or pops, then you have experienced an improperly level-matched system. When a performance autosound system is properly level-matched, you should get the maximum output from your source unit and your amplifier without any clipping. The following steps will help guide you through the process: 1.
Chapter 7: Troubleshooting Troubleshooting Many problems can be eliminated by re-checking the wiring and settings of the unit. If a problem cannot be solved using the guide below, please call the AudioControl team for further assistance, or e-mail us at sound.great@audiocontrol.com Epicenter Amplifier Codes: Power (Blue) Codes Power Up Reset Boot 1. No Sound Protection Activated a. Verify the Power LED is a splendid green. b. Verify the Protection LED is Off. c. Verify the source unit is operating. d.
Chapter 7: Troubleshooting 3. Source Clip LED is on: a. Turn down the level of the audio signals entering the Epicenter. The Epicenter analyses the incoming audio and detects if the signal is clipping. Make sure the settings in other equipment in your system, such as EQ controls, are not over-done and clipping the signals. 4. Speaker channels are cutting in and out: 6. Should I notice a blue glow coming from within the unit, near the heatsinks? a. Yes. Do not be alarmed.
Chapter 8: Specifications Specifications All specifications are measured at 14.4 VDC (standard automotive voltage). As technology advances, AudioControl reserves the right to continuously change our specifications, like our Pacific Northwest weather, although we are working on changing that as well. The Epicenter 600 Amplifier The Epicenter 1200 Amplifier Power Output. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 200 Watts @ 4 Ohms . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Chapter 8: Specifications Block Diagram Left Right Left Right Speaker Level to Line Level Conversion Balanced Summing Mixer MILC TM Source Clip Detect PFM Subsonic On Polarity Off POWER AMP 1200 W 1 Ohm Min Sweep TM GTO Signal Sense On Wide Variable Crossover Gain Expansion Bus Mode Source Off Link +12V Remote In Ground Power Supply Power Protection Gain Maximized MicroProcessor ACR-3 Remote Level Control Out In Expansion Bus Speaker Outputs Installation Manual
Chapter 8: Specifications The Epicenter 1200 Dimensions 29
Chapter 8: Specifications The Epicenter 600 Dimensions Installation Manual
Chapter 9: Service Service First, if you need service, it is probably best to go and see a trained health care professional. If the Epicenter amplifier needs service, then please contact AudioControl, either by e-mail or phone. We will verify if there is anything wrong in the system that you can correct yourself, or if it needs to be sent back to our factory for repair. Please include the following items when returning the unit: 1. A copy of your proof of purchase. No originals please.
Chapter 10: Please Remain Calm The Warranty People are confused by warranties! Lots of fine print. Months of waiting around. Well, fear no more AudioControl is here. Our warranty is designed to make you rave about AudioControl. It’s a warranty that looks out for our customers, plus helps you resist the temptation to have your friend, “who is good with electronics”, try to repair your AudioControl product. So go ahead, read this warranty, then register your AudioControl product at www.audiocontrol.
Chapter 10: Please Remain Calm Legalese Section This is the only warranty issued by AudioControl. This warranty gives you specific legal rights, and you may also have rights that vary from state to state. Promises of how well your AudioControl product will work are not implied by this warranty. Other than what we’ve said we’ll do in this warranty, we have no obligation, express or implied. We make no warranty of merchantability or fitness for any particular purpose.
Chapter 11: Complementary Doodle Pages Favorite Settings System System System Installation Manual
Chapter 11: Complementary Doodle Pages System System System 35
The End Installation Manual PN 913-134-0 Rev A
