Autotek Maxxsonics MX-1, Maxxsonics MX-2, Maxxsonics MX-3, Maxxsonics MX-4 Instruction Manual

MX SERIES

MX-1 / MX-2
MX-3 / MX-4

OEM INTEGRATION

ACCESSORIES

OEM INTEGRATION ACCESSORIES

MX SERIES

INDEX PAGE

MX OEM Accessory Overview and Setup............................................................................................................1

Installation............................................................................................................................................................2

MX-1 Feature Descriptions...............................................................................................................................3-4

MX-1 Main Diagram..............................................................................................................................................5

MX-1 Connecting Low Level RCA Cables to Amplifier........................................................................................6

MX-1 Connecting High Level Speaker Wires (with factory amp)........................................................................7

MX-1 Connecting High Level Speaker Wire (no factory amp)............................................................................8

MX-2 Feature Descriptions..................................................................................................................................9

MX-2 Main Diagram............................................................................................................................................10

MX-2 Connecting Low Level RCA Cables to Amplifier......................................................................................11

MX-2 Connecting High Level Speaker Wires (no factory amp)........................................................................12

MX-3 Feature Descriptions................................................................................................................................13

MX-3 Main Diagram............................................................................................................................................14

MX-4 Feature Descriptions................................................................................................................................15

MX-4 Main Diagram............................................................................................................................................16

MX-4 Connecting High Level Speaker Wires and Low Level RCA Cables.......................................................17

Trouble Shooting a System................................................................................................................................18

Product Warranty...............................................................................................................................................19

The contents of this manual may not be reproduced or copied without the written consent of MAXXSONICS USA, Inc.

MX OEM ACCESSORY OVERVIEW

Maxxsonics OEM Accessories are the answer for getting more power and better sound from an existing car audio
system when it is improbable, impractical and sometimes just impossible to change an aftermarket head unit. The
following is a brief description of each MX OEM Accessory. More detailed information is included in each models’
individual section.

*MX-1 & MX-2 models feature Maxxsonics’ innovative Audio Signal Sense. This feature allows for the MX Controller

to turn on when speaker audio signal is detected by the unit. This feature will then send signal to the amplifier in line
automatically turning the unit on as well. Audio Signal Sense has a 60 second window from the time that signal
ceases to when the MX Controller and amplifier power down. This feature is included so that your controller and
amplifier do not power down in between tracks or while changing discs etc. (Both MX-1 & MX-2 feature Audio Signal
Sense as well as standard Remote wire capabilities.)

MX-1 Premium High-to-Low Level Converter:

Easily add an aftermarket amplifier to any OEM radio system with this deluxe line-level controller that converts factory
high-level speaker wires into unbalanced low-level (RCA) outputs.

MX-2 Deluxe High-to-Low Level Converter:

Conveniently converts a stock head unit’s speaker wire signal (high level) into an RCA (low level) signal for use with an
aftermarket amplifier.

MX-3 Bass Controller:

Working in conjunction with an aftermarket radio and amplifier, the Bass Controller takes the designated radio
subwoofer or full-range stereo output from the radio and processes the low frequency bass notes. In turn, this
enhances the bass response, increases linearity, buffers unwanted transient noise and improves the frequency range
for overall improved bass quality.

MX-4 Add-A-Sub High-to-Low Level Converter

This unique Controller provides the ideal way to add more bass without changing an entire OEM radio system.

MX OEM ACCESSORY SETUP

To test speaker channel voltage, first you'll need a DMM set to measure AC voltage. Play a musical track on the radio.
Turn the volume up to maximum undistorted level (by ear). Measure at the speaker or the wire. Dial your interface box
accordingly.

1

INSTALLATION

ASSEMBLE TOOLS AND ACCESSORIES:

PLAN YOUR SYSTEM LAYOUT:

IMPORTANT GUIDELINES:

PLACEMENT AND MOUNTING:

Wire Cutters/Crimpers/Strippers

Prior to installing your MX-1, be sure that you have identified a good mounting location that will allow for easy access
to make adjustments. Determine the best routes for your wires and lay them out before permanent installation.

In most applications, mounting the MX-1 module close to the amplifier is ideal. Once the mounting location is
determined, mark the 4 mounting holes with a marker. Prior to pre-drilling the holes, ensure that there are dangers
on the other side of the metal. Once the holes have been pre-drilled, clean the metal shavings from the area and
mount the MX-1 into location.

Digital Multi-Meter
Supplied Screws
Supplied Allen Wrench
Small Flathead Screwdriver

Wrench For Battery Post

Drill With Phillips Bit
1/8” Diameter Heat Shrink Tubing
18 Gauge Power Wire(Application Appropriate Length)
18 Gauge Ground Wire(Application Appropriate Length)
18 Gauge Remote Wire(Application Appropriate Length)

- Read the entire manual prior to attempting the installation.

- Run all RCA’s so that they are far from any high current wires.

- Always inspect an area prior to drilling. Avoid cutting or drilling into electrical wires, fluid lines and gas tanks.

- All power wires connected to the front battery should have the appropriate fuse in line within 12” of the battery
terminal.

- The ground connection integrity to the chassis is very important. The best way to achieve a good, solid electrical
and mechanical contact is to use a large round crimp lug, crimped and soldered to the ground wire. Then scrape
or sand the paint off of the vehicle chassis, slightly larger than the ground lug, at the connection point. Drill a
clearance hole in the chassis, the same size as the lug hole, and use a bolt, spring washer and nut to securely
fasten the ground lug. Use petroleum jelly to coat the bolt/lug connection to prevent oxidization with time.

SUBWOOFER

INPUT
LEVEL

40V 4V

SUBWOOFER

OUTPUT

LEVEL

1V 9V

LOW PASS

FILTER

24 dB/OCT

250Hz35Hz

BOOST

PARAMETRIC BASS EQ

BANDWIDTH FREQUENCY

+10 dB 100Hz0dB 30Hz

SUBSONIC

FILTER

24 dB/OCT

35Hz15Hz

MX-1

LINE LEVEL

CONVERTER

REAR HIGH

PASS FILTER

12 dB/OCT

200Hz15Hz

FRONT HIGH
PASS FILTER

12 dB/OCT

200Hz15Hz

FRONT & REAR

STEREO OUTPUT

LEVEL

4V 9V40V 4V

HIGH LEVEL
F & R INPUT
CONTROL

4 CH MONO / HIGH LEVEL

SUBWOOFER
INPUT MODE
SELECTOR

GREEN: PRE-CLIP
YELLOW: SOFT CLIP
RED: HARD CLIP

CLIPPING CONTROL

2

MX-1 FEATURE DESCRIPTIONS

SUBWOOFER INPUT LEVEL:

Variable from 40Volts to 4Volts. This control is used to match the output signal level from your headunit.

PARAMETRIC BASS EQ:

An incredible feature that allows for you to select a specific frequency, select a level of boost, and determine

how wide the span of the boost will be.

- BOOST:
Variable from 0dB to +10dB. At 0, the PARAMETRIC BASS EQ is OFF.

- BANDWIDTH:
Variable from Narrow(all the way to the Left) to Wide(all the way to the Right). Narrow will focus on your
selected FREQUENCY of BOOST and bleed into less frequencies. As you turn the potentiometer to the right,
you increase the range of frequencies being boosted above and below your selected BOOST FREQUENCY.

- FREQUENCY:
Variable from 30Hz to 100Hz. Use your potentiometer to select the center FREQUENCY to be boosted with the
PARAMETRIC BASS EQ feature.

LOW PASS FILTER:
Variable from 35Hz to 250Hz. This filter features a 24dB per Octave roll off. This means that the LOW PASS
FILTER has a steep cut-off and allows for very precise tuning. The LOW PASS FILTER allows frequencies below
your selected setting to pass thru while cutting out frequencies above your selected setting.

SUBSONIC FILTER:
Variable from 15Hz to 35Hz. This filter features a 24dB per Octave roll off. This means that the SUBSONIC
FILTER has a steep cut-off and allows for very precise tuning. The SUBSONIC FILTER allows frequencies above
your setting to pass thru while cutting out damaging and unwanted frequencies below your selected setting.

SUBWOOFER OUTPUT LEVEL:
Variable from 1Volt to 9Volts. This control is used to adjust signal output voltage to your amplifier. Use caution
when adjusting the signal output to be provided to your amplifier as you can damage your amplifier if you provide
more signal than your amplifier is rated to handle.

3

MX-1 FEATURE DESCRIPTIONS

HIGH LEVEL FRONT(F) & REAR(R) INPUT CONTROL:

Variable from 40Volts to 4Volts. This control is used to match the output signal level from your headunit to your

Front and Rear speakers.

SUBWOOFER INPUT MODE SELECTOR:

This switch allows for your to select 4 CH MONO to sum the input signal from the Front and Rear channels

when a factory subwoofer is not present for signal or HIGH LEVEL when a factory subwoofer output is available
for signal.

FRONT HIGH PASS FILTER:
Variable from 15Hz to 200Hz. This filter features a 12dB per Octave roll off. This means that the FRONT HIGH
PASS FILTER has a gradual roll-off and allows for smooth cutoff. The FRONT HIGH PASS FILTER allows
frequencies above your selected setting to pass thru while cutting out frequencies below your selected setting
for the front speakers.

REAR HIGH PASS FILTER:
Variable from 15Hz to 200Hz. This filter features a 12dB per Octave roll off. This means that the REAR HIGH
PASS FILTER has a gradual roll-off and allows for smooth cutoff. The REAR HIGH PASS FILTER allows
frequencies above your selected setting to pass thru while cutting out frequencies below your selected setting
for the rear speakers.

FRONT & REAR STEREO OUTPUT LEVEL:
Variable from 4Volts to 9Volts. This control is used to adjust signal output voltage to your amplifier. Use caution
when adjusting the signal output to be provided to your amplifier as you can damage your amplifier if you
provide more signal than your amplifier is rated to handle.

CLIPPING CONTROL: While adjusting the headunit, MX-1, or amplifiers, the CLIPPING CONTROL LED may
illuminate in one of the following colors to alert you of an existing condition. These indicators give the user a
chance to identify incorrect settings or high distortion before it is damaging to the equipment allowing them to
correct the volume or settings.

- GREEN: Indicates a Pre-Clip condition, which is safe and normal operation.

- YELLOW: Indicates a Soft-Clip condition, which is safe and normal operation, but you are close to a hard clip.

- RED: Indicates a Hard-Clip condition which is potentially damaging to the MX-1, amplifiers, speakers and
subwoofers in the system. Evaluate and adjust crossovers and Levels so that this condition is not present.

4

MX-1 Main Diagram

Factory Radio

+ + + +

L/R R/R L/F R/F

High Level Speaker Wire Outpus

Ground

SUBWOOFER

INPUT

LEVEL

40V 4V

SUBWOOFER

OUTPUT

LEVEL

1V 9V

LOW PASS

FILTER

24 dB/OCT

250Hz35Hz

BOOST

PARAMETRIC BASS EQ

BANDWIDTH FREQUENCY

+10 dB 100Hz0dB 30Hz

SUBSONIC

FILTER

24 dB/OCT

35Hz15Hz

MX-1

LINE LEVEL

CONVERTER

REAR HIGH

PASS FILTER

12 dB/OCT

200Hz15Hz

FRONT HIGH

PASS FILTER

12 dB/OCT

200Hz15Hz

FRONT & REAR

STEREO OUTPUT

LEVEL

4V 9V40V 4V

HIGH LEVEL

F & R INPUT

CONTROL

4 CH MONO / HIGH LEVEL

SUBWOOFER

INPUT MODE

SELECTOR

GREEN: PRE-CLIP

YELLOW: SOFT CLIP

RED: HARD CLIP

CLIPPING CONTROL

SPEAKER WIRE INPUT

+ - + - + - + - + -

R/F L/F R/R L/R SUB RADIO

MXR-1 REMOTE

CONTROL

+ 12 volts

Optional

remote

input

Remote

output

Aftermarket Amplifier

FRONT REAR SUB

Right / Left Right / Left Right / Left

REMOTE INPUT

VOLUME

MIN MAX

GREEN: PRE-CLIP

YELLOW: SOFT CLIP

RED: HARD CLIP

MXR-1

BASS REMOTE

+

_

+

_

+

_

+

_

+

_

Speakers

Subwoofer

Low Level RCA Outputs

PRE-AMP OUTPUT

BALANCED

LINE OUTPUT

POWER

OUT

REM

+

BAT

IN

REM

-

BAT

FRONT REAR SUBWOOFER

R

L

R

L

R

L

High Level Speaker Wires

5