Audio Control LC7 Owner's Manual
LC7
Six Channel Line Output Converter With Auxiliary Input
For interfacing with factory installed audio systems
reetings from the rainforests of the Pacic Northwest. We would
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like to congratulate you on your purchase of the LC7, a six-channel, high-performance, line-output converter with an auxiliary input. This
nifty product will accept two, four, or six channels of speaker-level signal
from a factory-installed amplier or source unit and convert it to a highquality, low-noise pre-amp signal. This makes the LC7 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 amplier(s) and processor(s). The LC7 also
has an extra set of RCA inputs that allow you to interface your iPod, MP3
player, satellite radio tuner or other audio source. Turntables are not recommended. Whether this is your rst product from the rainforest dwellers
of AudioControl, or you are already a rm believer, you will denitely
enjoy how great the LC7 can make your performance system sound.
Now before you start salivating just thinking about the benets and
all of the nifty applications for your LC7, take a few minutes to sit back,
grab a beverage of your choice, and read through this manual. It contains
lots of useful facts and information which will probably answer any
questions you may have. If you are one of those folks who “does not like
to read manuals”, then you will be happy to know that this manual is
very peppy and has lots of pictures.
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Key Features of The LC7
Here are some of the cool features that your LC7 offers:
• Six input and output channels
• Speaker-level inputs – can accept 400-watt signals!
• Auxiliary input for iPod’s, MP3 players, or Satellite radio tuners
• Input level controls for level matching of sources
• Internal channel summing
• GTO™ - signal-sensing inputs
• Output level controls
• 12 volt trigger output
• Subwoofer level and source selection control
• Biodegradable cardboard box
TM
making good sound better
®
TM
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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 LC7 has high-impedance
speaker-level inputs that allow it to accept amplied 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 ampliers, processors and speakers while
keeping the convenience features of your factory-installed source unit.
Unlike inexpensive speaker-level and line-output converters, the LC7
offers the highest sound quality and can handle the full signal strength of
a 400-watt amplier.
Auxiliary Input
Since many car audio enthusiasts are multi-tasking listeners who want
to use secondary sources like iPods, MP3 players, and satellite radios, the
LC7 provides an auxiliary audio input for these devices. If you use this
function, you will need to use a source that has its own volume control,
just like your factory radio. This input is activated by tapping the optional dash level control. You will be happy to know that the LC7 has an
LED indicator that will reect which input your LC7 is using.
Source Selection & Remote Level Dash Control
Your LC7 comes with a remote mountable dash control that will allow
you to select which source you want to listen to plus control the output of
Channel 3. With the addition of secondary source units and high performance aftermarket amplifiers, the LC7 gives you maximum control over
your system.
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 LC7 and your external ampliers. Therefore, we have equipped
your LC7 with our unique GTO™ (Great Turn On) signal-sensing
inputs. Once the GTO input of your LC7 detects a speaker-level signal
on the Main Inputs, it powers up. When the speaker-level signal goes
away, your LC7 will automatically turn-off. Optionally, your LC7 is also
equipped with a standard 12-volt trigger (Remote In) that will allow you
to turn on your LC7 in the traditional manner, if necessary.
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12-Volt Output Trigger
Since you will be using an external amplier(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 LC7 has a high-current
12-volt output (labeled Remote Out) that will provide a trigger to these
remote devices, when the LC7 is powered up. Please note that this output is not to be used as the main power for these devices.
Internal Channel Summing
The LC7 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 LC7 with a factory system that has
multiple, actively crossed-over signals being sent from the OEM source
unit or amplier(s). For example, in some vehicles there is an actively
crossed-over tweeter, midrange, and woofer all in the front of the vehicle. The LC7 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.
AutoMode Inputs
Sometimes in life (and car audio) we need more outputs than inputs.
Therefore we have equipped your LC7 with AutoMode inputs that take the
Channel 2 signal and automatically feed it to the Channel 3 outputs, provided there is no signal present on the Channel 3 inputs. This means your
LC7 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 LC7 has level controls for each pair of channels. These controls
allow you to adjust the signal level from your factory-installed amplier
or source unit to match up with your aftermarket amplier or processor.
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
Pacic Northwest. We make every effort
to ensure that you will have many years of
enjoyment out of your LC7. 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 LC7 should
stop working, we will back it with a limited ve years parts and labor
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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 LC7 “walk away” one day while your car is parked at
your local latte’ stand, you will nd insurance companies very unforgiving without proof of purchase.
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 LC7:
1. Physically mount the LC7 in a location that keeps it away from
soda spills, food crumbs, and curious ngers. You will want to select a
location that allows you access to the level controls. In many cases you
can nd factory speaker leads in the rear of the vehicle that are easy to
access.
2. The LC7 needs to be installed in the signal path between your OEM
source unit or factory-installed amplier(s) and an aftermarket external
amplier and/or processor(s). Locate the speaker wires that are coming
from your factory source unit and/or amplier and connect them to the
speaker-level inputs on your LC7.
3. Connect the Output RCA connectors to cables that run to your aftermarket external signal processors and/or ampliers. If this is not obvious
to you, quickly pack up your LC7 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 LC7 to your source and ampliers.
Note: You will want to turn the gains DOWN on your aftermarket am-
pliers to maximize your systems performance and minimize any HISS.
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Figure 1: Basic LC7 System
If you need to know more, then read on. Heck, if you don’t need to
know more, still read on. If you end up calling us for help, the rst question we will inevitably ask you is, “Did you read the manual?” Needless
to say, we have heard some clever answers like “What manual?” or “I
don’t think it was in the box”. However rather than deny the inevitable,
most of the answers to your questions are in this manual!
A Guided Tour of the LC7
1. Auxiliary Input: This RCA connection can accept any two-channel audio signal that comes from secondary source devices like an iPod,
MP3 player, or Satellite radio. We are told that products like this are getting popular. To activate this input, you need to tap the remote mounted
dash control and the LC7 will switch between the main inputs and this
auxiliary input. An LED indicator on the LC7 chassis will identify which
source unit is being used.
2. Speaker-level Inputs: The LC7 has three sets of speaker-level inputs. These inputs get their signals from the speaker-level outputs of your
factory-installed source unit or amplier. If your source unit has front,
rear, and subwoofer speaker-level outputs, connect them to the three sets
of inputs on your LC7. If the source unit only has front and rear inputs,
the Auto Mode circuitry in your LC7 automatically routes the Channel 2
inputs to Channel 3.
3. Ground: Connect to a good, veried chassis ground (the battery
comes to mind.) Warning: Factory ground wires typically already have
multiple devices connected to them and are not recommended.
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