Audio Control LC6i Owner's Manual
LC6
tm
tm
Six Channel Line Output Converter
For interfacing with factory installed audio systems
reetings from the rainforests of the Pacific Northwest. We would
G
like to congratulate you on your purchase of the LC6i; a six-channel, high-performance, line-output converter. This unique product will
accept two, four, or six channels of speaker-level signal from a factoryinstalled amplifier or source unit and convert it to a high-quality, lownoise pre-amp signal. Therefore the LC6i is an ideal OEM (Original
Equipment Manufacturer) interface component as it will allow you to use
your factory-installed source unit but give you the ability to add really
good aftermarket amplifier(s) and processor(s). Whether this is your first
product from the rainforest dwellers of AudioControl, or you are already
a firm believer, you will definitely enjoy how great the LC6i can make
your performance system sound.
Now before you start salivating just thinking about the benefits and all
of the nifty applications for your LC6i, take a few minutes to sit back,
have a cold beverage, and read through this manual. We always love to
get calls from our customers, but have tried to answer all of your questions in this manual so it contains lots of useful facts and information
- - and besides, we spent a lot of time writing it!
Key Features of The LC6i
Here are some of the cool features that your LC6i offers:
• Six input and output channels
• Speaker-level inputs – can accept 400-watt signals!
• Internal channel summing
• GTO™ - signal-sensing inputs
• Level matching controls
• 12 volt trigger output
• Input for optional subwoofer level control
• Cardboard box for easy storage
TM
making good sound betterTM
22410 70th Avenue West • Mountlake Terrace, WA 98043
Phone 425-775-8461 • Fax 425-778-3166 • www.audiocontrol.com
®
page 1
Features and Highlights
Speaker-Level Inputs
If you are like many people who enjoy the look and features of your
factory-installed source unit but feel your system overall is lacking power and bass, we have good news. The LC6i has high-impedance speakerlevel inputs that allow it to accept amplified signals from all known 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 amplifiers, processors and speakers while
keeping the convenience features of your factory-installed source unit.
Unlike inexpensive speaker-level and line-output converters, the LC6i
offers the highest sound quality and can handle the full signal strength of
a 400-watt amplifier.
GTO™ Signal-Sensing Inputs
Most factory-installed source units lack the features that make it easy
to upgrade with really good-sounding, performance aftermarket products.
One of those key features is a 12-volt trigger that will turn on devices
like the LC6i and your external amplifiers. Therefore, we have equipped
your LC6i with our unique GTO™ (Great Turn On) signal-sensing inputs. Once the GTO input of your LC6i detects a speaker-level signal on
the Main Inputs, it powers up. When the speaker-level signal goes away,
your LC6i will automatically turn-off. Optionally, your LC6i is also
equipped with a standard 12-volt trigger (Remote In) that will allow you
to turn on your LC6i in the traditional manner.
12-Volt Output Trigger
Since you will be using an external amplifier(s) and processor in your
system, you will need the ability to “trigger” or turn-on these devices (a
romantic dinner won’t quite work here). Your LC6i has a high-current
12-volt output (labeled Remote Out) that will provide a trigger to these
remote devices, when the LC6i is powered up. Please note that this output is not to be used as the main power for these devices.
Internal Channel Summing
The LC6i has the unique ability to internally sum together multiple (4
or 6) input channels from the factory source unit into 2 channels. This
is particularly handy when using the LC6i with a factory system that has
multiple, 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 all in the front of the vehicle. The LC6i lets you take all of those signals and sum them together
to get a high-quality, full-range, pre-amp signal without the use of any
additional cables or hardware.
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AutoMode Inputs
Sometimes in life (and car audio) we need more outputs than inputs.
Therefore we have equipped your LC6i with AutoMode inputs that take
the Channel 2 signal and automatically feeds it to the Channel 3 outputs,
provided there is no signal present on the Channel 3 inputs. This means
your LC6i will accept two input channels and give you four output
channels. Or it can accept four input channels and give you six output
channels.
Output Level Controls
Your LC6i has level controls for each pair of channels. These controls
allow you to adjust the signal level from your factory-installed amplifier
or source unit to match up with your aftermarket amplifier or processor.
Input For Optional 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 Remote Subwoofer Level Control (sold separately along with undercoating) allows you to add a dash-mounted control to your LC6i that
will adjust the level of the Channel 3 output, often used for the subwoofer. This output is full range so it may need to be crossed over depending
upon your application.
Bulletproof Warranty
The most important 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 LC6i. 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
LC6i 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 a 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 LC6i “walk away” 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 LC6i:
1. Physically mount the LC6i 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 access to the level controls. In many cases you
can find factory speaker leads in the rear of the vehicle that are easy to
access.
2. The LC6i needs to be installed in the signal path between your OEM
source unit or factory-installed amplifier(s) and an aftermarket external
amplifier and/or processor(s). Locate the speaker wires that are coming
from your factory source unit and/or amplifier and connect them to the
speaker-level inputs on your LC6i.
3. Connect the Output RCA connectors to cables that run to your aftermarket external signal processors and/or amplifiers. If this is not obvious
to you, quickly pack up your LC6i and run to your nearest authorized
AudioControl dealer to have them perform the installation. You will
thank us later.
4. Connect +12 power, ground, and remote turn-on (if applicable).
5. Level match your LC6i to your source and amplifiers.
Note: You will want to turn the gains DOWN on your aftermarket am-
plifiers to maximize your systems performance and minimize any HISS.
Figure 1: Basic LC6i System
If you need to know more, then read on. Heck, if you don’t need to
know more, still read on, because you can never know too much and as
much as we would like to get your calls and e-mails, most of the answers
to your questions are in this manual!
page 4
A Guided Tour of the LC6i
¬ Speaker-level Inputs: The LC6i has three sets of 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 three sets of inputs on your LC6i. If the source unit
only has front and rear inputs, the Auto Mode circuitry in your LC6i
automatically routes the Channel 2 input channels to the Channel 3.
② Ground: Connect to a good, verified chassis ground (the battery
comes to mind.) Warning: Factory ground wires typically already have
multiple devices connected to them and are not recommended.
® +12 Volt: Connect to a good source of power (the battery comes to
mind again)
¯ Remote In: Allows your LC6i to be turned on remotely with a 12-
volt signal.
° Remote Out: Outputs 12 volts when the LC6i is powered up so you
can turn on external devices like signal processors and external amplifiers. DO NOT USE FOR SYSTEM POWER!!
± Maximized Indicator: This brightly colored LED indicates when
your signal level is just below clipping your LC6i. When properly level
matched, this LED should flicker occasionally when your system is playing at its maximum volume level.
² Power: If you have connected all of your power wires correctly,
this light should be bright red when your system turns on.
³ Remote Subwoofer Level Control Input: This input allows you to
add an optional (sold-separately-not-included) remote that will allow you
to control the subwoofer output of your LC6i from your dashboard.
´ Pre-Amp Outputs: These RCA connectors should be connected to
the next component after the LC6i, such as a signal processor, crossover
or amplifier. Do not connect any speakers directly to your LC6i. (Definitely don’t connect to any home appliances, like your microwave.)
µ Level Controls: These knobs allow you to adjust the signal level
from your source unit to match that of your aftermarket amplifiers. Because they are amplified, most factory-installed source units have relatively high signal voltage output, which will require you to decrease the
signal level.
Channel Summed Indicators: Under the cover of your LC6i are
jumpers that will allow you to sum selected channels into the main channels. This is especially useful for factory-installed systems with actively
crossed-over speaker systems. These indicator LED’s let you know
which channels are being summed into the main inputs.
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