Caliber CXQ 20 User Manual
Thank you for choosing a Caliber product. In doing so you’ve demonstrated a
desire to own the finest in Car Audio Technology. Caliber strives to provide you
with the finest products possible, and is always looking for ways to please our
customers even more.
Properly installed, your Caliber CXQ20 will provide years of high quality sonic
reproduction. Before installing this Equalizer/crossover in your vehicle, please
read this entire manual carefully, in order to protect your vehicle, and get the
maximum performance of your mobile sound system.
Caliber Warranty
Due to the complexity of our products, we strongly recommend that this
Equalizer/crossover is installed by your authorized Caliber dealer. If properly
installed by your dealer we provide a warranty for 12 month from the date of
purchase.
If you install this Equalizer/crossover yourself, we wish you lots of fun and succes
in doing so. If you follow our guidelines, you’ll get the best result. Our warranty,
however, will be limited to and not exceed 30 days from the date of purchase.
Caliber Accessories
To r ealize the exceptional performance of which this Equalizer/crossover is capable, it is necessary that power sources, signal sources, speakers and interconnects are of the highest quality. Remember that Caliber is a specialized manufacturer of all sorts of Car Audio components.We also manufacture everything
needed for the ‘optimal’ Car Audio System (except the car). So be sure to ‘Get
Connected’ with Caliber and ask your local Caliber dealer for our accessories.
Important
The quality of installation may effect the performance and reliability of a Caliber
CXQ20 Equalizer/crossover. If you have any doubts or questions regarding
installation or use, don’t hesitate to contact your official Caliber dealer.
A Caliber dealer is selected for his knowledge in auto sound, and has been trained
to give you great advice and service.You can always count on him to give you
advice for any technical problems and will keep you informed on the latest products by Caliber.
We wish you lots of enjoyable moments with your newest toy.Adjust the sound
to perfection, but keep paying attention to the road whilst doing so.
1
BEFORE YOU START
6Low Pass Output Level Control
This allows you to adjust the output level to match both the input level of
your subwoofer amplifiers and the relative level to the High Pass output.
7 Remote Low Pass Level control
Docking port for the jack of the supplied CXR Remote control.This gives
you the possibility to adjust your Low Pass Level on dash.
8Low Pass Output Peak LED
This indicator will illuminate constantly when the output voltage reaches
or surpasses 15V RMS maximum out for the Low Pass output.
9Low Pass Crossover Frequency Selector
Adjusting this four position switch, you may select between crossoverpoints
60Hz / 80Hz / 100Hz / 120Hz for the Low Pass (sub-woofer) output.
10 High Pass Output
Docking ports for the RCA connectors leading to your High Pass amplifiers
or alternative crossover.
11 High Pass Output Level Control
This allows you to adjust the output level to match both the input level of
your High Pass amplifiers and the relative level to the Low Pass output.
12 High Pass Output Peak LED
This indicator will illuminate constantly when the output voltage reaches
or surpasses 15V RMS maximum out for the High Pass output.
13 High Pass Crossover Frequency Selector
Adjusting this four position switch, you may select between crossoverpoints
80Hz / 100Hz / 120Hz or Full Range for the High Pass output.
14 Power Terminals
”+” Connect to the vehicle’s positive 12V supply (+12V DC)
”-” Connect to the vehicle’s ground (-12V DC)
”R” Connect to the head unit’s remote turn on leads.
”D/R” Delayed Remote output. Connect to all the amplifiers and crossovers
following the CXQ20.This will delay the turn on of these units by 2 seconds
after the system is powered up.
15 Fuse 1A The 1A fuse will help to protect the CXQ20 in case of a short.
16 Power Indicator LED
Lights up when the CXQ20 is powered up and properly installed.
Specifications CXQ20
General
Frequency response 10Hz to 30KHz ±1dB
T.H.D. 0.02%
Signal to noise ratio >100dB
Channel separation >80dB
Input level 7V to 0.2V
Input impedance 20KΩ
Maximum output level 15V
Output impedance 50Ω Balanced
Crossover
Crossover frequencies
High-pass 80/100/120Hz and Full Range
Low-pass 60/75/85Hz and Full Range
Crossover slope 18dB
Dimensions W x L x H (mm) 280 x 180 x 35 (mm)
Features CXQ20 (See illustration on the inside cover)
1 Input
Docking ports for the RCA connectors arriving from the source unit’s
output.
2 Input Level Control
Input sensitivity control adjusts to your source unit’s output.
3 Equaliser On/Off switch
This switch allows you to bypass the equalizer by switching it to the off
position
4 Input Peak LED
This indicator will illuminate when the input level is too high and clipping is
occurring. If the LED is illuminating, back the input level control (2) to a
less sensitive setting.
5Low Pass Output
Docking ports for the RCA connectors leading to your sub-woofer amplifier.
2 3
SPECIFICATIONS AND FEATURES
SPECIFICATIONS AND FEATURES
Signal input
The next to connect is your signal input. Choose the correct length and style of
RCA patch cables for your needs. Better RCA’s, such as the ones from the
Caliber CL 600 and CL 800 Get Connected Series, have gold-plated connectors
and multiple layers of shielding for better noise rejection. (Consult your official
Caliber dealer about these cables and RCA’s).
Be extra careful when running your RCA patch cables. Car environments are
notorious for poorly insulated wires.This means that hiss, engine noise and fan
noise can easily be picked up trough RCA cables, if ran incorrectly.As a precaution, avoid placing your RCA’s near large wire looms and electronic fans whenever possible.
Connect the patch cables to the RCA output of your source unit. Run the RCA
cables to the location of the CXQ20, and connect them to the input RCA connectors of the CXQ20. Be sure to connect the right channel to the right channel, and the left to the left.(In an audio system the right always has red RCA connectors, and the left RCA connectors are white or black).
Signal output
Once you have connected the inputs, it is time to connect the outputs. Be careful to connect, via RCA patch cables, the correct output to the correct amplifier.
Ta ke good care in the balance of your signal (Right to right, and left to left).
Now that you have connected all your signal and power cables, it is time to connect your battery again, and place the 1A fuse in the fuseholder.
Crossover
Determing the best crossoverpoints for your speakers is critical.The size of the
speakers, their powerhandling caracteristics and frequency range have to be
taken into consideration.Also the location of the speakers has to be evaluated
before the best crossoverpoints can be choosen.
A good ear, and proberbly some advice from your official Caliber dealer can help
you a lot when you are adjusting your crossovers.
5
SIGNAL INPUT / OUTPUT
4
MOUNTING AND CONNECTING YOUR CXQ20
Mounting your CXQ20
Find a steady, secure area to mount your CXQ20. Be sure it is accessible, but not in
an area where the equalizer sliders or any other adjustments may be bumped by
accident. Use the chassis of the CXQ20 as a template and mark the locations of the
mounting holes. Predrill the mounting holes using a 2,5 mm diameter drill bit and
use the screws supplied with your CXQ20 to fasten your equalizer/crossover. Make
sure the screws are tightened securely.
Getting your power started
REMEMBER TO ALWAYS DISCONNECT BATTERY GROUND
BEFORE WORKING ON A VEHICLE’S ELECTRICAL SYSTEM
• First, the +12V terminal is connected. The +12V ter-
minal is the first slot(A) from the left of the powerconnector. Use the same +12V source as you are
using for your amplifiers, in order to avoid picking up
noise due to voltage differences.
Don’t forget to add an inline fuseholder holding a
1A fuse at the beginning of the powercable for the
CXQ20.This to protect both your vehicle
and audiosystem in case of a short.
•Second, the -12V ground terminal must be connected.The -12V ground is the
second slot(B) from the left of the powerconnector.This cable has to be fastened securely to the chassis of the vehicle with the same gauge cable as the positive cable (the same amount of power has to run through it). Ensure that all
paint, undercoating or any other insulation is removed from the area where you
want to make your ground connection to.
• Third to connect is your remote turn-on.The R (remote turn on) is the third
slot(C) from the left of the powerconnector.Many radio-cassette and CD-players
have an output terminal for connection of the Remote turn on. If you don’t have
such an output, a separate switch must be installed to control your remote
on/off functions.
• The last terminal to connect is your Delayed Remote output.The D/R (Delayed
Remote output is the first slot (D) from the right of your powerconnector.The
delayed remote output should be connected to all the amplifiers and crossovers
following the CXQ20, so they can be started with a 2 seconds delay.
+
-
D/R
R
A B C D
screwdriver
9 Match the level of the more dominating of the two outputs to the weaker one.
Make sure the Peak Output LED is not illuminating. If the Peak Output LED is
illuminating, lower the output level control slightly until the distortion is no longer noticeable and the LED has stopped flickering.Again, if there is more gain
needed, adjust the input level control on the amplifier.
10 Take a few minutes now to listen to the system to determine if the settings
are satisfactory. Adjust the volume knob to several different levels and fine
tune your settings. Do this using music tracks you know well.
11 Depress the equalizer On/Off switch (2) once again so the equalizer gets in
its “On” position.
Equalization
How does an equalizer work?
Simply put, an equalizer corrects deviations in frequency over a given bandwidth.
The slider knobs on the CXQ20 are each numbered with the center of the frequency “Q” they adjust. By sliding the adjustment knobs up or down, you can
boost or cut a particular frequency to smooth the response of your system and
acquire the desired sound.
Adjusting your equalizer
Adjusting your CXQ20 is not an easy task. Caliber recommends the use of a
Real Time Analyzer (RTA).Without a RTA it will be hard to distinguish the dips
and peaks, and to value how much to adjust them.Wheter you use a RTA or
adjust your systen by the taste of your ear, always follow these basic steps.
1Always start with the frequencies that need to be cut or reduced.This has a
very simple reason. If you boost a frequency up 3, 6 or 12dB the system
noise will be boosted up with an equal amount. Cutting of frequencies first
will also cut of system noise.
2Remember to adjust no more than two frequency bands at one time. This
makes it much easier to distinguish wheter the changes make an improvement or not. Since the CXQ20 is typically mounted in the trunk it’s important to listen to the changes in response after each setting in the drivers- or
passengersseat. Because there is where you want it to sound great.
Level Adjustments
By now you’re probably really anxious to listen to your improved audio system.
But before you turn on your radio, you have to complete some very important
adjustments in order to fine tune your system.These are the level controls.
Follow the steps below starting with the preliminary adjustments.
1 Before you do anything, set the input- and output levels to a safe level,
then set the Equalizer to your personal taste of sound. Now you can
start adjusting all the input and output levels for a maximum performance.
2 Adjust the input level control (2) of your CXQ20 to 2/3 of the maximum.
3Preset the High Pass - (11) and Low Pass output level controls (6) to slightly
above the minimum gain.Depress the equalizer On/Off switch (2) to its “Off”
position.
4 Set the input levels of your amplifiers to 25%.
5 Activate the radio power. Set the tone controls, balance and fader controls to
the center or flat position.
And now it is time to make some serious music.Find a couple of dynamic tracks on
your favorite CD,insert the CD into the CD-player, and follow the level adjustments
given to you in points 6 to 11.
6 Adjust the volume of your radio to 75% of the maximum volume. Listen care-
fully to make sure the music is not clipping. Continue to play the tracks you
chose throughout the rest of the adjustment period.
7 Check the input peak LED (4) on your CXQ20 and make sure it is not illumina-
ting. Adjust the input level control (2) up until the Peak LED (4) starts to
flash.Then back of the level control slightly so the Peak LED will stop flashing. In
some cases the input Peak LED will not illuminate,not even at full maximum level.
This is OK, because in this case your radio might not have a high output level.
8Turn the output level controls (6 or 11) up until onset or audible distortion is
heard.Make sure the Peak Output LED (8 or 12) is not illuminating at this point.
Now, lower the output level slightly until the distortion is no longer noticeable
and/or Peak Output LED is not longer flickering. Make a note that most amplifiers will not accept an input level of 9V,so your output level controls should not
be over 75% of their max. If more gain is needed, adjust the input level control
on your amplifier.
6 7
LEVEL ADJUSTMENTS
HOW DOES AN EQUALIZER WORK
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