Audiocontrol DQX User Manual

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DQX

Stereo One-Third Octave Digital Equalizer/Crossover

Owner’s Enjoyment Manual

AudioControl

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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

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Table of Contents

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

Key Features and Highlights . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 2

Quick Installation Information . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 4

A Guided Tour of the DQX . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 6

Installation . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 8

Placement and Mounting . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 8

Power Wiring . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 8

Audio Wiring . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 9

Level Matching . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .11

Navigating the DQX menu screens . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 12

Equalization Adjustment . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 13

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Setting the DQX crossover . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 15

Graphic versus Parametric Equalization . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 16

Troubleshooting . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 18

Warranty . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 20

Specifications . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 22

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AudioControl®

Owner’s Enjoyment Manual

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Introduction

Welcome to the world of AudioControl’s performance digital signal processing . A magical combination of AudioControl’s lengthy experience in performance signal processing design combined with state-of-the-art Digital Signal Processing (DSP) technology. You now have in your possession the DQX, an extremely powerful thirty-band, one-third-octave stereo and parametric digital equalizer with a 24 dB/octave Linkwitz-Riley crossover. Whether you are a die-hard sound-off competitor or simply enjoy great music, you will definitely appreciate how the DQX makes your performance autosound system sound even better.

Now before you start salivating too much just thinking about the benefits of the DQX, take a few minutes to sit back, have a latte’, decaffeinated if necessary, and read 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 DQX

Here are some of the cool features that are enclosed in this magical box:

• 30 bands of constant-Q equalization

• Dual, fully-adjustable Parametric

• equalizers

• Three-way 24 dB/octave electronic

• crossover

• Eight non-volatile memories

• 24 bit digital signal processing

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FEATURES AND HIGHLIGHTS

Constant-Q equalization controls: Car

interiors vary widely in size and acoustic makeup. In addition doors, kick-panels, and rear decks don’t make the best location for speaker placement causing your high performance speaker system to sound somewhat lackluster. The DQX offers thirty precise equalization controls spread equally across the audio spectrum at one-third octave increments for maximum control. Each equalization filter utilizes a precise constant-Q topology, traditionally utilized only in the highest performing professional audio products.

Parametric Equalization Controls: In addition to the thirty, one-third octave controls, the DQX also offers two, fully-adjustable parametric equalization controls. With the DQX’s parametric controls you select a center frequency, dial in the ideal bandwidth and apply the appropriate amount of boost or cut. The precise filtering of the DQX allows you to select bandwidths as narrow as 1/12 octave!

Programmable 24dB/Octave Three-way Crossover: With digital programmability, the

three-way electronic crossover in the DXS easily configures to almost any high-performance mobile audio system. By simply pressing a few buttons, you can select almost any crossover frequency imaginable. The 24dB/Octave Linkwitz-Riley (a couple of real nice audio engineers) design is normally reserved for the best home and professional systems, but now this state-of-the-art crossover is yours in the DQX.

Programmable Frequency Match (PFM) Filter: This programmable low cut filter allows

the system designer to custom tune the bass response of the speaker system. Smaller woofers can be protected against the voice-coil-charring bass they are too small to reproduce. Tuned (Ported) subwoofers benefit by having the frequencies below their tuning cut off to reduce distortion and save system power.

Non-volatile memories: The DQX has the ability to allow the user to set and store up to eight different system (equalization/crossover) settings in individual memory locations.

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24 bit Digital Signal Processing:

AudioControl’s digital signal processors use a special 24 bit DSP (digital signal processor) that was specially designed for equalization and other dynamics processing. In addition, matching 24 bit A/D - D/A converters are incorporated for maximum sound quality.

Bulletproof Warranty: The most important feature of all. Every AudioControl product is selflessly designed and manufactured by the occupants of our rainforest factory. We take every effort to ensure that you will have many years of enjoyment out of your DQX. To ensure the performance of this new Digital product, 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 in the unlikely chance your DQX should stop working, we will back it with a limited five years parts and labor warranty. Should you choose to install it yourself 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 proof of installation and ownership. Not only is it necessary for warranty purposes, but should your DQX “disappear” one day while your car is parked at your local latte’ stand, you will find insurance companies very unforgiving without proof of purchase.

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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 DQX:

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

2. Physically mount the DQX in a location that keeps it away from soda spills, food crumbs, and curious fingers. However you will want to select a location that allows you to see the display and access the equalization/crossover controls during setup.

3. Hook up +12 volt power, ground, and remote turn-on. 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 DQX to match the source unit’s output and then adjust the “Output Level” controls to match with your amplifier inputs.

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

5. Select the desired crossover points for the “Mid/Hi”, “Lo/Mid”, and “PFM”.

6. Now comes the fun part. Set your equalization 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!

7. Last but not least, you will want to save your system settings in one of the eight memory locations.

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Figure 1: Basic DQX System

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A GUIDED TOUR OF DQX

1) Inputs: The DQX has two RCA inputs that need

to get their audio signals from the main source unit. If your source unit has multiple outputs (like a front, rear, and/or subwoofer) you should only connect the front or rear outputs to your DQX.

2) Input Level: This knob allows you to maximize the signal level from your source unit that goes into your DQX to achieve maximum signal to noise. Keep in mind, that despite what the literature says, most aftermarket source units produce a relatively low voltage signal when it comes to playing music at normal levels.

3) Input Maximized Indicator: This nifty LED light indicates that you are supplying the DQX its maximum amount of signal voltage. If the LED indicator never comes on, don’t assume that it is not working (since LED’s rarely break) but you might consider adding a line driver to your system.

4) Output Level Controls: Although your DQX has the ability to increase your signal voltage, your amplifiers may not necessarily accept that much signal. These controls allow you to regulate the proper amount of pre-amp signal from the DQX to the amplifiers.

5) Equalization Overload Indicator: This convienient LED indicates when the DSP (digital

Owner’s Enjoyment Manual

signal processor) of your DQX is clipping or distorting. The usual cause of this is having the “Input Level” turned up too high or you have boosted too many frequencies on your equalizer.

6) Select: This allows you to select one of the various equalization, crossover, or memory modes of your DQX.

7) Navigation Arrows: These multi-function buttons perform a number of functions, depending upon which mode your DQX is in. You can do anything from changing crossover frequencies to applying boost or cut to your equalization filters. However, if you get the high score, you cannot enter your initials!

8) Output Voltage Indicators: These brightly colored LED’s indicate the level of signal voltage that is coming out of the various outputs of your DQX.

9) Outputs: These RCA connectors should be connected to the next components after the DQX, usually an amplifier. Do not connect any speakers directly to your DQX or to any home appliances, like your toaster.

10) Power Connections: This nifty connector is a godsend to those who have tried to wire up their gear with their body crammed in the trunk. You can wire up the power, ground, and remote turn-on from the convenience of outside your car and then casually plug it into your DQX.

DQX Digital EQ/XoverDQX Digital EQ/Xover

DQX Digital EQ/Xover

DQX Digital EQ/XoverDQX Digital EQ/Xover By AudioControl(r)By AudioControl(r)

By AudioControl(r)

By AudioControl(r)By AudioControl(r)

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Figure 2: Top view of DQX

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INSTALLING THE DQX

Up to this point everything you have read has served to educate you on the operations of DQX. We are sure that you are chomping at the bit to install DQX so we recommend you read the following sections very carefully.

A. Placement & Mounting of your DQX Placement: The DQX needs to be installed in

the signal path after your source unit but definitely before your amplifiers and or any active crossovers. The chassis is usually mounted in the rear of the vehicle, as close to the amplifiers as possible.

Mounting: Once you have selected a permanent mounting location, position the unit and mark the appropriate mounting holes with a felttip pin or scratch awl. Before doing anything else, make sure you are not about to drill a hole in a gas tank or pierce any existing wiring. Nothing ruins your day more than an expensive repair bill. Drill a few small pilot holes and secure the chassis of the DQX with self-tapping screws.

B. DQX Power Wiring Remote Turn-On: Connect a 22 to 18 gauge

wire from the head-unit’s remote turn-on to the “Remote” connector on the DQX .

Positive(+12V) Connection: Insert a 12-18 gauge wire into the connector labeled “Power” on the nifty connector of your DQX. Connect it to a good constant source of 12 volts (we suggest the battery), fused at 2 amps.

Ground Connection: Use the same gauge wire as you did for the positive connector and run it from the “Ground” connector on the DQX to the negative terminal of the battery, a ground bus, or a verified ground location. The factory head unit ground is not a good ground! When the electrical connections are complete, you may reconnect the negative terminal to your battery.

WARNING: Failure to disconnect the

negative terminal of your battery prior to

the installation of your DQX can result

in a warm tingly feeling.

Figure 3: Back view of DQX with power connectors and RCA’s

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C. DQX Audio Wiring

Planning: As you may already have guessed, there are numerous ways to configure the DQX in your audio system. Spend a little quality time planning out your system and even sketching it out on paper. The following diagrams are just a few of the system options:

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Figure 4: DQX in a two-way system

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Figure 5: DQX with a FOUR.1

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D. Level Matching

If you have ever listened to a friend’s “killer” car audio system and heard 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 amplifiers without any clipping or that annoying hiss! The following steps will help guide you through the process, although at the end of the day, your ears will be your guide!

1) Set your source unit’s fader and balance controls to their center positions.

2) Disconnect the output RCA connections between your DQX and the amplifier(s)...otherwise get some ear plugs.

3) Start playing some relatively dynamic music and set the volume on your source unit to about 3/4 of maximum. You should not hear anything at this point. If you are hearing music, go back to step #2 … if you are hearing voices, go see a doctor!

5) Now adjust the output level control until the “2 volt” or “5 volt” light starts to flicker. You will want the output voltage to match up your amplifiers input gain levels. If you don’t know how much this is, ASK the amplifier manufacturer or read the owner’s manual of the amplifier.

6) Very Important - Set the input gains on the amplifier(s) at minimum!

7) Double check that you performed Step #6

8) Decrease the volume control on your source unit and re-connect the RCA’s between the DQX and the amplifier(s).

9) Now increase the volume on your source unit to your normal listening level. For some of you, this may be louder than others!

10) At this point you may find yourself going back and adjusting the “Output Level” controls on your DQX to accommodate for the speaker placement and efficiency.

4) Starting with the DQX “Input Level” control, increase or decrease the control knob until the “Input Maximized” LED begins to flicker steadily with the music.

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DQX Menu Screens

One of the major benefits of using Digital technology is the ability to use less knobs and buttons and get more control. The DQX has two mono equalizers, two parametric equalizers, plus a 3 way electronic crossover that would normally occupy an area as large as your trunk. Yet digital technology allows the DQX to offer a plethora of features in one compact chassis. In addition there are only a few knobs so navigating through the DQX’s functions is quite simple.

When you first apply power to your DQX, it will go through a few “wake-up” screens, including some subliminal advertising for AudioControl. It will then display a friendly blue screen (not the scary blue screen found on many computers). Fear not, because the blue screen on the DQX is actually a good thing.

Once your DQX has settled on one of these menu screens, you will want to spend a few minutes familiarizing yourself with the various modes.

1) Digital Status Display - This cool blue screen will tell you which mode your DQX is in.

2) Select - Every time you tap this button, you will change the various modes in your DQX.

3) “+” and “-” Navigation Buttons: Depending upon where your cursor is flashing, these buttons will allow you to change a frequency, apply boost and/or vary the bandwidth of your equalization filters.

4) Left and Right Navigation Buttons:

Within each mode there are several sub functions (i.e. Freq, Lvl, Crossover points, etc.) that you can access using these buttons. By tapping on these

buttons and watching the flashing cursor,

you can navigate through each

function on the screen.

ÊËÌÍ

Figure 6: DQX main menu screen

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MODE: Graphic EQ

Graphic EQ Freq = 1kHzGraphic EQ Freq = 1kHz

Graphic EQ Freq = 1kHz

Graphic EQ Freq = 1kHzGraphic EQ Freq = 1kHz L= +6dB L= +6dB

L= +6dB

L= +6dB L= +6dB

Figure 7: Graphic EQ screen

Your DQX has 30 built-in graphic equalization filters with fixed, constant-Q center frequencies. These frequencies happen to match those on the AudioControl SA-3055 real time analyzer. In the Graphic EQ mode, you can select any of the 30 frequencies, one at a time, and apply boost or cut. In addition you select whether you want the equalization controls to affect the left and right channels individually or control both channels at the same time.

Freq(uency): This corner of the screen indicates which frequency you are boosting or cutting. If you wish to select another frequency, tap the left or right arrow buttons until the cursor is flashing on the number next to “Freq=”. Then use the “+” and “-” controls to select the frequency you wish to apply boost or cut.

>o<>o<

>o<

>o<>o<

R =+4dB R =+4dB

R =+4dB

R =+4dB R =+4dB

Stereo or Mono Equalization: After you have selected a frequency to equalize, you must decide whether you wish to equalize the left channel, the right channel, or both channels simultaneously. If you are a first time user, we suggest you equalize both channels together at first and then individually. Use the arrow keys to move the cursor to one of the following positions:

“L=” Equalizing on the left channel “>o<” Equalizing both channels simultaneously “R=” Equalizing on the right channel

When the cursor highlights this screen, you can now apply boost or cut, using the + and - controls, to the frequency you selected in the previous step.

Once you have made your equalization settings, you will want to tap the Select button, go to the Memories screen, and save your settings in one of the eight memory locations.

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MODE: Para EQ1 and Para EQ2

Para EQ1Para EQ1

Para EQ1

Para EQ1Para EQ1 Width=1/6Width=1/6

Width=1/6

Width=1/6Width=1/6

Figure 8: Para EQ1 screen

Para EQ2Para EQ2

Para EQ2

Para EQ2Para EQ2 Width=4 octWidth=4 oct

Width=4 oct

Width=4 octWidth=4 oct

Figure 9: Para EQ2 screen

Besides having a 30-band graphic equalizer, your DQX also has two fully-programmable parametric bands. These allow you to select a frequency, apply boost or cut, and change the bandwidth or “Q” of the filter.

Para EQ1 mode allows you set the controls for one of the parametric bands.

Para EQ2 mode lets you change the settings for the second parametric bands.

Freq=3.15kFreq=3.15k

Freq=3.15k

Freq=3.15kFreq=3.15k

LVL=+12dBLVL=+12dB

LVL=+12dB

LVL=+12dBLVL=+12dB

Freq=3.15kFreq=3.15k

Freq=3.15k

Freq=3.15kFreq=3.15k

LVL=0dBLVL=0dB

LVL=0dB

LVL=0dBLVL=0dB

Lvl: When the cursor highlights this part of the screen, you can now apply boost or cut to both channels using the “+” and “-” controls. Please note that you do not have individual channel control using the parametric equalizers.

Width: This control lets you select how wide of an area each of the DQX’s parametric bands affects. You can choose a real narrow bandwidth,

⁄12

of an octave or go as wide as three full

octaves.

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MODE : Xover

XoverXover

Xover

XoverXover PFM=30 Lo/Mid=90PFM=30 Lo/Mid=90

PFM=30 Lo/Mid=90

PFM=30 Lo/Mid=90PFM=30 Lo/Mid=90

Figure 10: Xover screen

In the Xover mode, the display shows the current crossover and subsonic filter frequency settings. These are the points where the subwoofer output begins, where the subwoofer/midrange meet and where the midrange/highpass outputs crossover. Using the “Left” and “Right” arrows you can scroll between the settings below. Then use the up and down buttons to adjust.

PFM - The Programmable Frequency Match (PFM) is a high pass filter that serves as a 24 dB/ octave subsonic filter for your system. Typically you will want to set this at the absolute bottom end or tuning frequency of your system

Mid/Hi=3.55kMid/Hi=3.55k

Mid/Hi=3.55k

Mid/Hi=3.55kMid/Hi=3.55k

Lo/Mid - This is the point where your subwoofer rolls off and your midbass or midrange speakers begin to play.

Mid/Hi - This is a low pass filter that selects the setting where your high output begins to play.

MODE : Memories

MemoriesMemories

Memories

MemoriesMemories

Figure 11: Memory recall screen

This screen allows you to save or recall settings from or to one of the eight memory locations. Using the Left and Right arrows will cause the cursor to highlight one of the following functions:

Recall: When the cursor is flashing next to this word, you have the ability to recall one of the eight memories. Push the “+” or “-” buttons to scroll through the memories. All of the equalization and crossover settings are stored in each memory.

Recall#7Recall#7

Recall#7

Recall#7Recall#7 SaveSave

Save

SaveSave

Figure 10: Crossover Response Curve

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MemoriesMemories

Memories

MemoriesMemories N (-) Y(+)N (-) Y(+)

N (-) Y(+)

N (-) Y(+)N (-) Y(+)

Figure 12: Memory save screen

Save: Once you have made your equalization

and crossover settings, you will want to save them in of the eight memory locations. When the cursor is flashing next to the word “Save”, use the “+” or “-” buttons to select a memory location. Once you have selected a memory location, tap either the “Left” or “Right” button and the cursor will move to the bottom left of the screen between “N(-)” and “Y(+)”. Tap the (+) button to complete the saving process or tap (-) to quit.

RecallRecall

Recall

RecallRecall Save #5Save #5

Save #5

Save #5Save #5

MODE: Display

DisplayDisplay

Display

DisplayDisplay BrightBright

Bright

BrightBright

Figure 13: Display brightness screen

In this mode, you have the ability to change the brightness levels on the display of your DQX. Using the left and right navigation buttons you can toggle back and forth between “Bright” and “Dim”. Once you have selected a brightness level you are comfortable with, tap the “Select” button and your last brightness setting will be retained.

DimDim

Dim

DimDim

ADJUSTING THE EQUALIZER

When it comes to music, everyone has their own particular taste. Some people want pounding bass and crisp, blood curdling highs. Others may prefer a “flat” response (whatever the heck that is). At the end of the day, most people just want their system to sound balanced, “just like it did in the store” or their buddy’s car. The following equalization guidelines should help you achieve your own personal audio nirvana.

1) For optimum performance, get your hands on a test compact disc that contains pink noise and a good quality RTA (real time analyzer); we happen to know someone who makes a really good one. If you cannot locate an RTA, you probably want to have your authorized AudioControl dealer perform the equalization adjustments, as they will likely have an analyzer. You can certainly adjust your DQX using your ears, however an RTA will give you the best results.

2) Begin playing pink noise through your system and place the microphone for your analyzer on a microphone stand in the driver’s seat. Take a careful look at the “curve” on your analyzer and how one frequency combines with the next.

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There is no one curve that will satisfy every person, as we all have different tastes. How else can you explain Liberace or rice cakes? The key is to use your DQX to help balance your system from one frequency to the next and give your speakers the sparkle, sizzle, detail or punch that the acoustics of the car have compromised.

3) Start equalizing by removing any large bumps, peaks, or areas with too much energy at a particular frequency. Next, boost the ranges that do not have enough energy. We strongly recommend that you cut or decrease energy before you boost. Try to keep any boosts to +6dB or less for best performance.

4) Although the plethora of controls on your DQX can be intimidating, fear not they were designed to give enough control to maximize your systems performance but not enough to get you in trouble. Here is an explanation of the key areas you should focus on:

Sub-bass: 100 Hz and below - A car without bass is like a day without sunshine…unless you live where we do because most of the days in the Pacific Northwest do not have sunshine. Bass is one of the more critical areas although it is also one of the most difficult to properly reproduce. Most people prefer their bass frequencies to be 6 to 9 dB louder than the rest of their system, although

Figure 14: Sample RTA curve

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there are some crazy folks that prefer their bass substantially louder. The key in this area is to have enough speakers and power to produce the amount bass you desire but don’t use the controls on the DQX to try and force your speakers to produce sounds they can’t. Too much bass boost creates a condition called “speakerus explodus”, which is not pretty to hear or watch.

Midbass: 100 Hz to 300Hz - The phrase, “too much of a good thing” can certainly apply to the midbass frequencies. This is the transition area of the audio spectrum that is an octave above your sub-bass frequencies and several octaves below your midrange. Most autosound systems have too much mid-bass due to the fact that speakers mounted in the doors or kick panels cause resonance’s or peaks in the response curve. These peaks in the mid-bass can actually mask or block sounds in the all-important midrange area causing your system to sound dull and lifeless.

Midrange: 300Hz to 3kHz - Musical instruments, vocals, mid-range percussion and many things we associate with imaging and staging happen in this area of the bandwidth. For that reason you will want to keep this area as smooth and balanced as possible. Too much boosting can make you feel like you are listening to your sys-

tem in a tile bathroom. Not enough energy in the midrange sounds empty and dry.

Treble: 3KHz and Up - If midrange is the cake, then these high or upper frequencies are the frosting. Many autosound systems start a gradual decline in this area which is why speaker placement is very important. The DQX only gives you a few controls in this area because too much boosting can really make a speaker sound unnatural.

TROUBLESHOOTING

No Power: If the Power LED on your DQX will

not turn on, check to make sure that the power wire and remote turn-on wires are connected or a fuse has not blown.

System Sounds Unbalanced: Check your graphic and parametric equalization settings to make sure that one channel is not dramatically different than another.

Sounds Distorted: Should your system sound distorted or your speakers are moving way too much, you should make sure you have your levels matched properly and that your amplifier gains are set at minimum. If this checks out okay, you will want to look at your EQ controls to insure that your boost levels are not overly boosted.

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Still Sounds Distorted: Look at the frequencies that you have selected for Para EQ 1 and Para EQ 2 and see how much boost or cut you have applied. Then look at those same frequencies on your Graphic EQ. If you have boost applied to the same frequencies on both types of equalizers, there is a strong chance you are overdriving your speakers and amplifiers at that frequency.

Output Voltage LED’s Don’t Light Up:

If your system is playing music but none of the output LED’s are on, there is a good chance that the output voltage of your source unit is not that strong. Now before you call us and say, “The guy at the store said my radio has high-voltage output”, you might want to face the fact that there is “Engineering Voltage” and there is “Marketing Voltage”. Without picking on any particular source unit, remember that you do get what you pay for.

UNDER THE COVER

1) Input Grounding: For most systems you

can leave this jumper set in the BALANCED position. In some systems, the source unit may look for a ground through the RCA connection to the amplifier and create a ground loop, which in turn can cause a whine (not the type that comes in a bottle) in your system. In that event, you

Owner’s Enjoyment Manual

should go ahead and change the four jumpers to the UNBALANCED position.

2) Ground Isolation Selector: Occasionally alternator noise may appear in a system because the source unit and amplifier are using different grounding schemes. To help in this situation, we have provided alternative grounding connections. Make sure your system is turned OFF before you move these jumpers.

Shipped Options

Input Grounding Balanced Unbalanced

Ground Isolation Isolated 200 ohms or Ground

Choice of beverage Micro-brew Latté

Figure 15: Inside of DQX

AudioControl®

IF YOU LIKE DQX, YOU’LL LOVE…

The FOUR.1i is the perfect in-dash equalizer for those of you who like the sound and detail of the DQX but want to have some control of your system from the dash of your car. Of course you should not be driving while tweaking your FOUR.1i, but enjoy it nevertheless.

AudioControl’s Four.1

And now a word from the legal department…

THE WARRANTY

People are scared of warranties. Lots of fine print. Months of waiting around. Well, fear no more, this warranty is 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 product. So go ahead, read this warranty, and then take a few days to enjoy your DQX before sending in the warranty card and comments.

“Conditional” doesn’t mean anything ominous. The Federal Trade Commission tells all manufacturers to use the term to indicate that certain conditions have to be met before they’ll honor the warranty. If you meet all of these conditions, we will warrant all materials and workmanship on your DQX for one year from the date you bought it (five years if it is installed by an authorized United States AudioControl dealer). We will fix or replace it, at our option, during that time.

Here are the conditional conditions:

1. You have to fill out the warranty card and send it to us within 15 days after purchasing your DQX.

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2. You must keep your sales receipt for proof of purchase showing when and from whom the unit was bought. We’re not the only ones who require this, so it’s a good habit to get into with any major purchase.

3. Your DQX must have originally been purchased from an authorized AudioControl dealer. You do not have to be the original owner, but you do need a copy of the original sales slip.

4. You cannot let anybody who isn’t (A) the AudioControl factory; (B) somebody authorized in writing by AudioControl to service your DQX. If anyone other than (A) or (B) messes with your DQX, that voids your warranty.

5. The warranty is also void if the serial number is altered or removed, or if your DQX has been used improperly. Now that sounds like a big loophole, but here is all we mean by it.

Unwarranted abuse is (A) physical damage (don’t use the DQX for a jack stand); (B) improper connections (120 volts into the power jack can fry the poor thing); (C) sadistic things. This is the best mobile product we know how to build, but if you mount it to the front bumper of your car, something will go wrong.

6. If an authorized United States AudioControl dealer installs your DQX, the warranty is five years; otherwise the warranty is one year.

Assuming you conform to 1 through 6, and it really isn’t all that hard to do, we get the option of fixing your old unit or replacing it with a new one.

LEGALESE SECTION

This is the only warranty given by AudioControl. This warranty gives you specific legal rights that vary from state to state. Promises of how well the DQX will perform are not implied by this warranty. Other than what we have covered in this warranty, we have no obligation, express or implied. Also, we will not be obligated for direct or indirect consequential damage to your system caused by hooking up the DQX.

Failure to send in a properly completed warranty card negates any service claims.

Owner’s Enjoyment Manual

AudioControl®

DQX 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 weather.

Maximum input level . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 7.5 Vrms

Maximum output level . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 7.5 Vrms

Output gain. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . ± 10dB

Frequency response . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 10Hz-22kHz

Total harmonic distortion. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 0.01%

Signal to Noise ratio. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . - 105dB

Balanced input noise rejection . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 60dB

Input Impedance. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 20k Ohms

Output Impedance . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 150 Ohms

Crossover slope. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 24 dB/octave

Crossover type . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 3-Way Linkwitz-Riley

Crossover frequencies . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 110 steps in

PFM subsonic filter slope. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 24 dB/octave

Graphic Equalization Controls . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 30 bands, 25 Hz - 20 kHz

. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . ISO 1⁄3 octave centers

Parametric Equalization Controls . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 2 bands, 25 Hz - 20 kHz

. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Adjustable Centers

Parametric Equalization Bandwidth . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 0.08 to 3 octaves

Equalization boost/cut . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . ± 12 dB

Power supply . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . High headroom PWM switching

Power draw . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 600mA

Recommended fuse rating . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 2 Amp

Size . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 1.25" W x 9.9"D x 7"H

Weight . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 3.5 lbs

Country of origin . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . U.S.A.

⁄12

octave increments

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AudioControl, Making Good Stereo Sound Better, DQX, DQT,

and DXS, are all trademarks of Electronic Engineering and

This manual was conceived, designed, and written on several bleak,

windy, and dreary rain-drenched days at our home in the Pacific

Northwest Rainforest outside of Seattle, Washington. The lattés

were hot and the Heffeweizen’s were cold…like our weather.

Owner’s Enjoyment Manual

Manufacturing, Inc.

22410 70th Avenue West

Mountlake Terrace, WA 98043 USA

Phone: 425-775-8461

Fax: 425-778-3166

www.audiocontrol.com

The Strength of Digitaltm

AudioControl®

22410 70th Avenue West

Mountlake Terrace, WA 98043 USA

Phone: 425-775-8461

Fax: 425-778-3166

www.audiocontrol.com

The Strength of Digital

Owner’s Enjoyment Manual

P/N 9130690

Audiocontrol DQX User Manual

Specifications and Main Features

Frequently Asked Questions

User Manual