Audio Control DQL-8 Owner's Manual

The Strength of

Digital

DQL-8

Eight Channel Line Output Converter with Digital Signal Processing and Auxiliary Input

Owner’s Enjoyment Manual

AudioControl

22410 70th Avenue West • Mountlake Terrace, WA 98043 USA

Phone 425-775-8461 • Fax 425-778-3166

www.audiocontrol.com

AudioControl®

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Owner’s Enjoyment Manual

The Strength of Digital

TABLE OF CONTENTS

Introduction . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 1

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Key Features and Highlights

Quick Installation Information . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .

Guided Tour of the DQL-8 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .

Installation . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 10

Placement and mounting . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 10

Power wiring . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .

Audio wiring . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .11

System diagrams . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .

Level matching

Dash Control

Navigating the DQL-8 Menu Screens

Equalization adjustment . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 22

Troubleshooting . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .

Warranty . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .

. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 16

. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .17

. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 2

. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 18

Specifications . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 33

Owner’s Enjoyment Manual

AudioControl®

INTRODUCTION

Greetings from the rainforest, the home of AudioControl, the world’s leading designer and manufacturer of high performance signal pro cessing for autosound systems. If you are read ing this manual, you have most likely made a decision to maximize the performance of your factory installed system and wisely purchased the DQL-8, eight channel line output converter with digital signal processing. This product is a unique combination of AudioControl’s lengthy experience in Digital Signal Processing (DSP) combined with a high-performance speakerlevel line output converter. Additionally the DQL-8 will also allow you to interface a second ary source unit with your system, such as a portable CD player, satellite radio system or even a very “rare” product called an iPod.

Now before you start salivating too much just thinking about the benefits of the DQL-8, take a few minutes to sit back, grab yourself a cold (or warm) one, and spend a few minutes reading through this manual. It contains lots of useful facts and information (and besides, we spent a lot of time writing it!)

KEY FEATURES OF THE DQL-8

Here are some of the cool features that are en

closed in this magical box:

• Eight speaker-level inputs – can accept 400watt signals!

• Six output channels with a 24dB/octave Link witz-Riley alignment crossover

• Auxiliary input for secondary sources

• One third octave equalization controls

• Two, fully-adjustable parametric equalizers per pair of channels

• Internal Channel summing

• GTO™ - signal-sensing inputs

• 12 volt output trigger

• Dash mount control for subwoofer level or master volume

• Eight user-adjustable memories

• 24-bit digital signal processing

• Input for optional DDC Digital Dash Control (sold separately of course!)

Quite frankly your DQL-8 has a lot of features

so quit wasting your time and read on!!

plus one half octave graphic

Owner’s Enjoyment Manual

The Strength of Digital

™

FEATURES AND HIGHLIGHTS

Eight Speaker-Level Inputs: If you are like

many people who like the look and features of their factory-installed source unit but feel your system overall is lacking power and bass, we have good news. The DQL-8 has high-impedance speaker-level inputs that allow it to accept am plified signals from factory-installed source units (even Bose) and output a high-quality pre-amp signal via standard RCA connectors. This will allow you to add better-quality aftermarket am plifiers, processors and speakers to your system while keeping the convenience features of your factory-installed source unit. Unlike inexpensive speaker-level and line-output converters avail able, the DQL-8 offers the highest sound quality and can handle the full signal strength of a 400watt amplifier.

Auxiliary Input:

enthusiasts want to listen to multiple source units, the DQL-8 provides an auxiliary input for a secondary source. This is ideal for adding an iPod, satellite radio tuner, or a portable turntable to your system.

Graphic and Parametric Equalization

Controls: Car interiors vary widely in size and

acoustic make-up. Doors, kick-panels, and rear

Since many car audio

decks don’t make the best location for speaker placement causing your high-performance speaker system to sound somewhat lackluster. The DQL-8 offers 130 individual one-third and one-half octave graphic equalization controls for your front, rear, and subwoofer channels plus two parametric bands for each channel. This precise filtering of the DQL-8 allows you to select bandwidths as narrow as 1/12 octave!

Internal Channel Summing: The DQL-8 has the unique ability to sum together multiple input channels (4, 6, or 8) from the factory source unit into 2 channels. This is handy when using the DQL-8 with a factory system that has actively crossed-over signals being sent from the OEM source unit or amplifier(s). For example, in some vehicles there is an actively crossed-over tweeter, midrange, and woofer in the front of the vehicle. The DQL-8 lets you take all of those sig nals and sum them together to get a high quality, full-range, pre-amp signal without the use of any additional cables or hardware.

Dash Control For Master Volume or Subwoofer Level Control: With the

addition of high performance aftermarket amplifier(s) and speakers, you may feel the need to have more control over your system. The

Owner’s Enjoyment Manual

AudioControl®

mote Subwoofer Level Control (included) allows you to add a dash-mounted control to your DQL-8 that will adjust the level of the subwoofer output or act as a master volume control.

GTO™ Signal-Sensing Inputs:

tory-installed source units lack the features that make it easy to upgrade with really good-sound ing, performance aftermarket products. One of those key features is a 12-volt trigger that will turn on devices like the DQL-8 and your external amplifiers. Therefore, we have equipped your DQL-8 with our unique GTO™ (Great Turn On) signal-sensing inputs. Once the GTO input de tects a speaker-level signal on the “Main Inputs”, it powers up. When the speaker-level signal goes away, your DQL-8 will automatically turn-off. Optionally, your DQL-8 is also equipped with a standard 12-volt trigger (Remote In) that will al low you to turn on your DQL-8 in the traditional manner.

User Memories: The DQL-8 has the ability to set and store eight different system equalization settings in individual memory locations. The first four memories (1 –4) are tied to the main inputs and memories 5 through 8 are available specifically for use with the auxiliary inputs. Al though some of us have foggy memories, for one

Most fac-

reason or another, the memories in your DQL-8 are non-volatile. This means they won’t go away when you leave your dome light on at night and kill your battery!

12-Volt Output Trigger: Since you will be using an external amplifier(s) and processor in your system, you will need the ability to “trig ger” or turn-on these devices (a romantic dinner won’t quite work here). Your DQL-8 has a highcurrent 12-volt output (labeled Remote Out) that will provide a trigger to these remote devices, when the DQL-8 is powered up. Please note that this output is not to be used as the main power for these devices.

AutoMode: This feature allows you to generate a subwoofer output with its own indepen dent equalization even if you don’t feed the DQL-8 a separate subwoofer input. While in Independent Sub Mode, the DQL-8 will sense whether or not you have a subwoofer input. If it doesn’t detect one, it will take the input from the Channel 3 / Rear input and feed the subwoofer output. You can then use the DQL-8’s sub EQ section and crossover to tailor your subwoof er to your liking.

Subwoofer is fed from the Front channel input so this feature is inactive.

Note: In 2ch and 4ch modes, the

Owner’s Enjoyment Manual

The Strength of Digital

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Bulletproof Warranty:

tant feature of all. Every AudioControl product is selflessly designed and manufactured in our factory located in the rainforests of the Pacific Northwest. We take every effort to ensure that you will have many years of enjoyment out of your DQL-8. To ensure optimal performance we highly recommend that you allow your authorized AudioControl dealer to perform the installation. Not only do they have all the right knowledge and tools, but also in the unlikely chance your DQL-8 should stop working, we will back it with a limited five years parts and labor warranty. Should you choose to install it your self we will still give you one-year parts and labor warranty. To activate your warranty, you need to FILL OUT AND SEND IN YOUR WARRANTY CARD!

We also recommend that you save

your invoice or sales slip as

b u t s h ou ld your DQL-8 “walk

away” one day while your car is parked at

The most impor-

proof of installation

and ownership. Not

only is it necessary for warranty purposes,

your local latté stand, you will find insurance companies very unforgiving without proof of purchase.

IF YOU LIKE THE DQL-8, YOU’LL LOVE . . .

The AudioControl Digital Dash Control (or DDC as it is called by its closest friends) is an optional remote-mountable control for your DQL-8. The DDC can be installed almost anywhere in your vehicle and then connected to your DQL-8 via a cable. This allows you to make all of your equalization settings from the conve nience of your front seat. In addition with the DDC, you can see “many colors” without any hallucinogenics by changing the display colors and backlighting.

AudioControl DDC - Digital Dash Control

Owner’s Enjoyment Manual

AudioControl®

QUICK INSTALLATION INFORMATION

For those of you short on time, but high on ambition, we offer the following section to speed up your installation of the DQL-8:

1) The DQL-8 needs to be installed in the signal path between your OEM source unit (or factory installed amplifier) and your aftermarket exter nal amplifier(s). If this is not obvious to you, quickly pack up your DQL-8 and run to your nearest authorized AudioControl dealer to have them perform the installation. You will thank us later.

2) Physically mount the DQL-8 in a location that keeps it away from soda spills, food crumbs, and curious fingers. You will want to select a location that allows you to see the display and access the equalization controls during setup. If your are using our optional DDC (Digital Dash Control) then you can probably install the DQL-8 wherever you want, just as long as the cable from the DDC will reach.

3) Hook up +12 volt power, ground, and remote turn-on if available. If you need to know more, then read on. Heck, if you don’t think you need to know more, you should still read on, because you can never know too much.

4) Adjust the “Input Level” control on your DQL-8 to match the source unit’s output and then adjust the “Output Level” controls to match your amplifier inputs.

Note: You will want to turn the gains on your amplifiers DOWN to maximize your systems perfor mance.

5) Scroll through menu screens on your DQL-8 and select the proper Input Mode. Your choices are 2 Channel, 4 Channel, or independent sub (6 channel) so this should not be too complicated.

6) Scroll through the menu’s again and select the proper crossover settings for your system, ac cording to system design, speaker manufacturer specs, etc. Also set whether the remote is sub woofer output or master volume.

7) Now comes the fun part. Set your equaliza tion controls to where your system sounds the most balanced yet dynamic. More about this in the section titled “Adjusting Your Equalizer”… and you thought you would not have to read the rest of the manual. Hah!

8) Last but not least, scroll through those menus again (see a common theme) and you will want to save your system settings in one of the memory locations.

Owner’s Enjoyment Manual

The Strength of Digital

™

Figure 1: Basic DQL-8 System. Push dash control to select auxiliary input

Owner’s Enjoyment Manual

AudioControl®

A GUIDED TOUR OF DQL-8

❶ Digital Dash Control (DDC) Input:

This input allows you to connect the optional AudioControl Digital Dash Control (DDC) which will control your DQL-8 from the convenience of the driver’s seat, passengers seat, back seat or anywhere else the cable will stretch. See your authorized AudioControl dealer for more infor mation about this option or check out www. audiocontrol.com.

❷ Auxiliary Input: This input accepts

a two-channel audio signal from a secondary source unit (i.e., iPod, satellite radio, or turntable) and feeds it into the front, rear, and subwoofer output channels, depending upon which of the Output Modes is selected. The input is activated when you tap the dash control knob. The Aux Input is selected when the LED is on.

❸ Speaker Level Inputs: The DQL-8 has

eight speaker-level inputs. These inputs get their signals from the speaker-level outputs of your factory-installed source unit or amplifier (if your vehicle is so equipped). If your source unit has front, rear, and subwoofer speaker-level outputs, connect them to the appropriate inputs on your DQL-8. If the source unit only has front and rear

inputs, the Auto Mode circuitry in your DQL-8 automatically routes the Channel 3 / Rear input channels to the subwoofer channels.

❹ Input Level: These knobs allow you to

maximize the signal level that goes from your source unit into your DQL-8 to achieve maxi mum signal-to-noise ratio.

❺ Input Maximized Indicators: These

nifty LED’s (Light Emitting Diode if you are curi ous) indicate that you are supplying the DQL-8 digital signal processor its optimum signal volt age. If the LED indicators never come on, don’t assume that it is not working (since LED’s rarely break) but you might consider adding a line driv er to your system for more input signal strength.

❻ Output Level Controls: Although your

DQL-8 has the ability to increase your signal voltage, your amplifiers may not necessarily ac cept that high a signal. These controls allow you to regulate the proper amount of pre-amp signal from the DQL-8 to the amplifiers.

❼ Select: Use this button to select one of the

various equalization, crossover, display, or mem ory modes of your DQL-8.

Owner’s Enjoyment Manual

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The Strength of Digital

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❶

Figure 2: Top view of the DQL-8

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Owner’s Enjoyment Manual

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