AudioControl DM-608, DM-810 User Manual

Six by Eight Channel

DSP Matrix Processor

Eight by Ten Channel DSP Matrix Processor

Installation Manual

Important Safety Instructions

1. Read these instructions.

2. Keep these instructions.

3. Heed all warnings.

4. Follow all instructions.

5. Do not use this apparatus near water.

6. Clean only with a dry cloth.

7. Do not block any ventilation openings. Install in accordance with the manufacturer’s instructions.

8. Do not install near any heat sources such as muers, silencers, exhaust pipes, or other apparatus (including ampliers) that produce heat.

9. WARNING: Improper installation may lead to permanent injury or death. Installation of the apparatus must be done with great care by qualied personnel, to prevent damage to fuel lines, power, and other electrical wiring, hydraulic brake lines, and other systems, that might compromise vehicle safety.

10. Provide +12V and Ground wiring of a suitable thickness/gauge to ensure adequate current to the apparatus.

11. Use rubber grommets to protect wiring whenever passing wires through metal openings or bulkheads.

12. Only use attachments/accessories specied by the manufacturer.

13. Refer all servicing to qualied service personnel. Servicing is required when the apparatus has been damaged in any way, such as the power input terminals are damaged, liquid has been spilled or objects have fallen into the apparatus, the apparatus has been exposed to rain or moisture, does not operate normally, or has been dropped.

14. This apparatus shall not be exposed to dripping or splashing, and no object lled with liquids, shall be placed on the apparatus.

15. Fuses shall be replaced only with the correct type and fuse value, and only when the apparatus is powered o.

16. Exposure to high sound pressure levels may lead to permanent hearing loss. Take every precaution to protect your hearing.

The lightning ash with arrowhead symbol within an equilateral triangle is intended to alert the user to the presence of uninsulated “dangerous voltage” within the product’s enclosure, that may be of sucient magnitude to constitute a risk of electric shock to persons.

The exclamation point within an equilateral triangle is intended to alert the user of the presence of important operating and maintenance (servicing) instructions in the literature accompanying the appliance.

Caution: to reduce the risk of electric shock, do not disassemble the apparatus, other than to remove the top panel to access the controls. There are no user-serviceable parts inside. Refer servicing to qualied personnel.

Recycling notice: If the time comes and this apparatus has fullled its destiny, do not throw it out into the trash. It has to be carefully recycled for the good of mankind, by a facility specially equipped for the safe recycling of electronic apparatii. Please contact your local or state recycling leaders for assistance in locating a suitable nearby recycling facility. Or, contact us and we might be able to repair it for you.

Installation Manual

Table of Contents

Important Safety Instructions ....................................2

Chapter 1: Introduction ...........................................4

Chapter 2: Quick Start Guide .....................................5

Chapter 3: Hookup Diagrams .....................................7

Chapter 4: Installation ...........................................11

Chapter 5: Features ..............................................13

Chapter 6: Installing the Application ............................16

Chapter 7: Updating the Firmware ...............................20

Chapter 8: The Display ...........................................22

Chapter 9: Troubleshooting .....................................38

Chapter 10: Specications .......................................39

Chapter 11: Service ..............................................44

Chapter 12: The Warranty ........................................45

Salsa! ............................................................48

Chapter 1: Introduction

Congratulations on your purchase of a ne AudioControl product. You have chosen wisely. We hope that it will give you many years of super audio enjoyment and larks.

When you require total control and optimization to achieve great sound quality, AudioControl’s DM-608 and DM-810 digital signal processors are the ideal solution.

These powerful processors allow you to truly optimize the performance of your audio system, regardless of whether you are using a factory or aftermarket source, and to achieve the goal of “Making Good Sound Great.”

These processors are equipped with key features, such as active speaker-level inputs, line-level and digital audio inputs, providing up to 10 channels of output for the DM-810, and 8 channels for the DM-608.

Connect your laptop using our smart user Interface, which is a fully-featured matrix DSP interface designed to give you instant and clear control over every aspect of your processor.

Route any input to any output, congure signal summing, adjust input and output gain, delay phase correction and polarity,

then precisely tune the processor using a 30 band EQ. High-pass, low-pass and band-pass can be set up for any output using 12 or 24 dB/octave Linkwitz-Riley crossovers.

For OEM integration, take advantage of the input and output Real Time Analyzers (RTA), available for every input and output, to easily identify and sum factory speaker-level signals.

The processors also include AudioControl’s proprietary features such as AccuBASS®, GTO™ Signal Sense, and MILC™.

The built-in Option Port is our nod to the future of car audio and will allow hi-res streaming directly into the DSP. It also opens up future proprietary connections for additional inputs, controllers and interface solutions. Watch our website www.audiocontrol.com for future Option Port expansion options.

Please visit our ne and new, bold and lovely knowledge base at:

www.audiocontrol.com/knowledge-base

for all manner of helpful tips and wisdom gathered from the collective noodles of our ne technical support engineers and audio chaps.

FEATURES

• Smart User Interface software included

• Input and Output RTA for precise and informed tuning

• GTO™ Signal Sensing (ch 1-2)

• MILC™ Clip Detection (ch 1-2)

• AccuBASS®

• Signal Summing

• Signal Delay

• 12 and 24 dB/octave crossovers

• 30 band equalizer

• Optional ACR-3 remote for preset recall and level control

• Optional Bluetooth interface

• Bulletproof 5 year warranty (when installed by an authorized AudioControl dealer)

• Engineered, designed, and manufactured in our leafy, shaded and secluded audio-goodness technodrome in beautiful Mountlake Terrace, WA.

Installation Manual

Chapter 2: Quick Start

Quick View

1. Speaker-Level Inputs

2. RCA Analog Line-Level Inputs

3. Coaxial and Optical Digital Inputs

4. RCA Analog Line-Level Outputs

5. Remote Control Connector for optional ACR-3

6. MICRO USB Connector

7. Option Port

8. +12V Power, Ground, Remote In/Out Connector

9. Maximized Input LEDs

10. MILC™ Source Clip LED

11. Maximized Output LEDs

12. USB Activity LED

13. Power LED

14. Mounting Holes x 4

1 2

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3 6 7 84

(The DM-608 controls and features are much the same as the DM-810, only dierent in the number of inputs and outputs, and a cool, satisfying, mild minty avour)

Chapter 2: Quick Start

Quick Start

Before you start, please take a moment to visit our knowledge base: www.audiocontrol.com/knowledge-base. It will help you with a plethora of sound advice, and help set the mood for the installation.

1. The following details give a brief overview of the steps required to install the DM-608/DM-810 in your system. 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 DM-608/DM-810.

3. When making connections, designate red RCA plugs as right, and designate white, black, or grey plugs as left.

4. Use quality interconnect cables. We know from experience that really cheap cables can cause a multitude of problems.

5. Connect the +12V input terminal of the unit to the +12V terminal of the vehicle battery.

6. Connect the Ground terminal of the unit to the negative terminal of the vehicle battery.

7. Connect the remote power terminal of the unit to the remote turn-on switch of your source unit. Alternatively, you can skip this connection and use the GTO Signal sensing on inputs 1-2.

8. Connect your audio inputs to the unit – either speaker-level or line-level RCA.

9. Run the optional ACR-3 remote to the front of the vehicle to adjust the level on the y.

10. Note that the following setting up is carefully done with the ampliers turned o (or not connected), to help prevent tweeter damage (for example) during the DM-608/DM-810 setup.

11. When you are satised that all is looking good and correct, reconnect the vehicle battery. Make sure the ampliers are o.

12. Install the control application onto your computer, but make sure that the computer is not connected to the unit during the installation.

13. Connect the computer to the unit using the USB micro connection, and run the application. The unit will be recognized and you can enter an initial password (1234) that you can customize later.

14. Use the application to adjust every aspect of the DM-608/DM-810 operation until you have the system just right. Set up the remote control to adjust the levels you want.

15. With the computer removed, the DM-608/DM-810 will now operate just as you have it set up.

16. Turn o the power, and run the line-level outputs to the line-level inputs of your various ampliers. Connect your loudspeakers to your ampliers.

17. Turn on the system and play the source at minimum volume to begin with, then bring up the levels with the ACR-3.

18. Enjoy the drive!

Installation Manual

Chapter 3: Hookup Diagrams

Power Connections

Head Unit

Remote +12V Trigger

+12V

Ground

3A Fuse

In this example, the head unit has a +12V trigger output that is connected to the DM-608/DM-810 remote input terminal. When the head unit is turned on, it will turn on the DM-608/DM-810.

The Remote Out connection of the DM-608/DM-810 may be used to daisy-chain to further units or ampliers and turn them on as well.

Alternatively, the GTO signal sense feature can be used to gently turn on the DM-608/DM-810 when an audio input signal is detected at inputs 1-2. (Then the connection to the DM-608/DM-810’s remote input terminal is not required.)

An in-line fuseholder with a 3A fuse is tted in the +12V line.

Chapter 3: Hookup Diagrams

System #1: Using speaker-level inputs

High Speaker-level output

ACR-3

Factory Radio

Mid Speaker-level output

Low Speaker-level output

Line-Level

LC-4.800 Amplifier

Epicenter Subwoofer Amplifier

Speaker-level output Highs

Speaker-level output Mids

Subwoofer

Installation Manual

Chapter 3: Hookup Diagrams

System #2: Using line-level inputs

Aftermarket Head Unit

ACR-3

Front line-level to inputs 1-2

Rear line-level to inputs 3-4

Subwoofer from 10

Rear from outputs 3-4

Front from outputs1-2

Line-level outputs to the line-level inputs of the power amplifiers

Chapter 3: Hookup Diagrams

System #3: Multi-channel system with LC6i

Center Speaker-level output to input 5 Subwoofer Speaker-level output to input 6

Rear Speaker-level output

Factory Radio

to input 1-2 (activates GTO)

Front High

Line-Level to 3-4

Line-Level

Bluetooth Option

option port

Center from 9

Subwoofer from 10

Front High from 7-8

ACR-3

Front Mid

Front Low

Speaker-level outputs to speaker-level inputs of LC6i

AudioControl LC6i 6-channel line-out converter

Front Low from 5-6

Rear High from 3-4

Rear Low from 1-2

Line-level outputs to the line-level inputs of the power amplifiers

Installation Manual

Chapter 4: Installation

Installation

We recommend mounting the DM-608/DM-810 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:

1. Before you start, disconnect the +12V positive and negative cables from the battery in the vehicle to prevent any damage to the vehicle or the amplier during the installation process.

2. Pick a mounting location that will provide access to the controls and connections, provide adequate ventilation, and also protect the unit from heat, moisture, and dirt.

3. The DM-608/DM-810 needs to be securely mounted using the four mounting holes located in each corner.

4. Before drilling any holes, take every precaution to prevent damage to fuel lines, power and other electrical wiring, hydraulic brake lines, and other systems, that might compromise vehicle safety.

5. Always mount the unit as far from the antenna in the vehicle as possible, and away from the radio or any other RF sensitive electronics in the vehicle.

6. Use a sucient-gauge insulated power cable with a 3 Amp inline fuse, to connect the +12V terminal of the DM-608/DM-810 to the positive terminal of the vehicle battery.

7. Use a sucient-gauge insulated cable to connect the ground terminal of the DM-608/DM-810 to the negative terminal of the vehicle battery.

8. The DM-608/DM-810 has speaker-level inputs that are designed to accept amplied, speaker-level signals from a factory source unit or amplier. 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. Connect the speaker wires to the DM-608/DM-810 speaker-level input plugs using the correct polarity.

9. Line-level audio signals will generally come from your aftermarket radio, or if you are really getting the most out of your car audio system they may be coming from a really awesome product like the AudioControl LC6i (shameless plug). There are generally only two things to consider when using the line-level RCA inputs: 1. Use good shielded or twisted pair RCA cables and

2. Run your RCA cables at least 18” away from power and speaker cables to avoid picking up radiated noise in your system.

Chapter 4: Installation

ACR-3 Dash Control Installation

The optional AudioControl ACR-3 dash control is a dual-function remote for your DM-608/DM-810. 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.

Dash Bracket Installation: The dash control mounts with two screws,

which attach to the underside of the dashboard. Slide under the dash and place the dash control in its mounting position, mark the two best mounting holes, carefully drill pilot holes without damaging any under-dash wiring, and secure with two screws.

Custom Installation: For that custom, nished look, the dash control

can be ush mounted directly on the dash-board (or anywhere

else). Disassemble the dash control from the mounting bracket. Drill a 9/32” (7 mm) hole in the dashboard for the control along with a 3/32” (2.3 mm) hole for the lock tab and a 1/8” (3 mm) hole(s) for the LED holder. Reassemble the dash control components on the dashboard.

1. When the left (blue) LED is on, turn the remote knob clockwise to turn the level up, and counterclockwise to turn it down. As it is an endless knob, turning it more than one turn clockwise would be maximum, and more than one turn counter-clockwise is minimum.

2. To recall a memory preset with the ACR-3, press the knob in to switch from blue mode (volume control) to red mode (preset recall). If, within two seconds, you turn the knob clockwise one click, it will recall one preset higher than you are currently operating. If, within two seconds, you turn the knob counter-clockwise, it will recall one preset lower than you are currently operating (for example, to change from Memory 2 to Memory 1).

There is no ‘wrapping’ to the knob, that is, turning the knob clock-

wise from Memory 4 will only recall Memory 4 and not conjure up a 5 or a 1. Once a preset memory has been selected, or two seconds have passed, the red LED will blink to show you the number of the preset you are recalling, then return to the blue (volume control) mode. The operation of the ACR-3 as a level control can be turned on or o in the Output View section of the computer display, see page 31.

Installation Manual

Chapter 5: Features

Features

1 2

1. Speaker-Level Inputs – The speaker-level output from ampliers and factory installed radios can connect here, so the DM-608/DM-810 will receive the audio signals this way and do its thing. Make sure that you follow the plus and minus polarity markings on the DM-608/DM-810 and match it to the polarity of the speaker wiring. Analog signal entering the DM-608/DM-810 are the sum of the speaker-level inputs and the respective RCA Line-level inputs.

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2. RCA Analog Line-Level Inputs – The line-level output from the head unit or factory-installed radios can connect here, so the DM-608/DM-810 will receive the line-level audio signals. The inputs are 1-2 (stereo), 3-4 (stereo), 5 (mono), 6 (mono), and 7-8 (stereo). Note that inputs 7 and 8 will default to the digital inputs (3) if there is a digital input signal present. Inputs 1-2 have the GTO™ (great turn on) signal-sense circuit that will awaken the DM-608/DM-810 when an analog input signal is present.

Chapter 5: Features

3. Coaxial and Optical Digital Inputs – These S/PDIF and Toslink

inputs allow you to connect the digital audio output from source units. These inputs share the use of inputs 7 and 8 as follows: If a digital signal is present, then input channels 7 and 8 receive the audio from the digital source. If there is no digital signal present, then inputs 7 and 8 are the sum of the speaker-level inputs 7 and 8, analog line-inputs 7 and 8, and any streaming audio coming in via Bluetooth connection on the Option Port.

4. RCA Analog Line-Level Outputs – These line-level analog outputs from the DM-608/DM-810 connect to the line-level inputs of your power ampliers and other equipment. The matrix capabilities of the DM-608/DM-810 allow you to pick and choose the outputs from any combination of inputs, add crossovers and EQ as required.

5. Remote Control Connector – This connects to the optional ACR-3 remote level control using a standard telephone cord and connectors.

6. USB Micro Connector – This connects to the USB A port of your computer in order to use the control software to congure the DM-608/DM-810.

7. Options Port – This port allows you to connect our optional Bluetooth adapter, so you can stream audio into channels 7 and 8 from your Bluetooth-enabled devices. Further details will be available when this accessory and others become available.

Bluetooth Option

8. Power Input Terminal +12V – This screw terminal connects to the +12V battery binding post of the vehicle. Use quality insulated wire.

Power Input Terminal Ground – This screw terminal connects to

a good ground connection on the vehicle. Use quality insulated wire.

Remote Power Input Terminal – This screw terminal connects to

the 12V remote trigger output of some head units. When the head unit is turned on, then the DM-608/DM-810 will turn on. Alternatively, you can use the GTO feature of the DM-608/DM-810 so it will turn on when an audio signal is detected at the speaker-level or line-level inputs of channels 1-2.

Remote Power Output Terminal – This screw terminal con-

nects to the 12V remote trigger input of other units and ampliers down the line. When the head unit is turned on, then the DM-608/DM-810 will turn on and this daisy-chain connection will allow other units in your system to turn on.

Installation Manual

Chapter 5: Features

9. Maximized Input LEDs – These LEDs illuminate when a maximum audio signal is present on any of the analog audio inputs. During power-up, these LEDs and the output LEDs will turn on momentarily, one after the other. Turn down the levels if these LEDs are on a lot.

10. MILC™ Source Clip LED – The MILC™ (Maximum Input Level Control) patent-pending level-setting circuit (on inputs 1-2 only) prevents clipping and damaging distortion. It calculates when the waveform of an incoming audio signal is clipping, and if it is, this LED will fulll its destiny and shine forth.

With this advanced feature, you are able to optimize the level of

the incoming audio signal until the Source Clip LED is just-prior to lighting. If the LED comes on during normal operation, you should adjust the level of the audio signals before they reach the DM-608/DM-810.

After an interview with the lead engineer included the words

“dierential calculus,” and some hieroglyphics on a chalk board, the technical writer’s eyes glazed over and he had to be brought round with a nice cup of tea and two donuts with sprinkles.

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11. Maximized Output LEDs – These LEDs illuminate when there is maximum signal present on any of the analog audio outputs. Turn down the output levels if these LEDs are on a lot.

12. USB Activity LED – This LED turns on when there is USB activity between the DM-608/DM-810 and a computer.

13. Power LED – If you have connected your battery power, vehicle ground, and turn-on lead (or GTO signal sensing) correctly, then this LED should turn red to indicate the power is ON.

14. Mounting Holes – These 4 holes are used for mounting the DM-608/DM-810 securely to your vehicle.

+ 33 hidden pages