JL Audio FiX 86 Product Manual

OWNER’S MANUAL

Thank you for purchasing a JL Audio FiX™ OEM

interface / processor for your automotive sound system.

This product has been designed and manufactured to exacting

standards in order to ensure years of musical enjoyment in your vehicle.

For maximum performance, we highly recommend that you have

your FiX™ processor installed by an authorized JL Audio dealer. Your

authorized dealer has the training, expertise and installation equipment

to ensure optimum performance from this product without compromising

your vehicle’s functionality. Due to the complexity of modern vehicle

systems, we do not recommend self-installation unless you have extensive

experience in automotive electrical systems. Should you decide to install

this product yourself, please take the time to read this manual

thoroughly to familiarize yourself with its installation requirements

and setup procedures.

If you have any questions regarding the instructions in this manual or

any aspect of the product’s operation, please contact your authorized JL

Audio dealer for assistance. If you need further assistance, please contact

the JL Audio Technical Support Department at [e-mail]

or call (954) 443–1100 during business hours.

Protect Your Hearing!

We value you as a long-term customer. For that reason, we urge you to practice
restraint in the operation of this product so as to not damage your hearing and
that of others in your vehicle. Studies have shown that continuous exposure
to high sound pressure level can lead to permanent (irreparable) hearing loss.
Automotive sound systems are capable of producing such high sound pressure
levels. Please limit your continuous exposure at high volumes. While driving,
operate your audio system in a manner that still allows you to hear necessary
noises to operate your vehicle safely (horns, sirens, etc.).

Installation Applications

This product is designed for operation in vehicles with 12 volt, negative-ground
electrical systems. Using this product in systems with positive ground and/or
voltages other than 12 volts may result in damage to the product and will void
the warranty. This product is not certified or approved for use in aircraft.

Safety Considerations

• Install this product in a dry, well-ventilated location that does not interfere
with your vehicle’s safety equipment (air bags, seat belt systems,
ABS brake systems, etc.).

• Securely mount this product so that it does not come loose in the event of a
collision or sudden jolt to the vehicle.

• Check before drilling to make sure that you will not be drilling into a gas tank,
brake line, wiring harness or other vital vehicle system.

• Do not run system wiring outside or underneath the vehicle. This is an
extremely dangerous practice, which can result in severe damage/injury.

• Protect all system wires from sharp metal edges and wear by carefully routing
them, tying them down and using grommets and loom where appropriate.

What’s Included

(1) FiX™ 86 processor
(1) 5-pin Power Connector plug
(4) 4-pin OEM Analog Input plugs
(4) Mounting screws
(1) FIX™ Calibration CD
(1) User manual

Product Overview

The FiX™ 86 is the ultimate tool for building a great sounding system using the
OEM source. Equipped with a powerful 24-bit DSP processor, the FiX™ 86 delivers
world-class sound and incredible functionality allowing the integration of
complex factory source units with aftermarket audio equipment. It combines a
level matching, summing preamp with delay and frequency response correction,
all housed within a single chassis.

The FiX™ 86 may be used to perform the following functions:

1. Eight differential-balanced inputs accept virtually any OEM analog audio

signal, from low-voltage, line-level signals to high power, amplified speaker­level signals. FiX™ 86 automatically level-adjusts and converts each OEM
input signal to digital audio with 24-bit effective resolution.

2. Any time delays between the OEM input signals are automatically

synchronized.

3. FiX™ 86 is compatible with full-range or band-limited OEM signals. Multiple

band-limited OEM input signals are automatically summed into full-range
signals. FiX™ 86 will sum up to 3-way front and 2-way rear signals.

4. After summing, FiX™ 86 will measure the frequency response of the Front

L&R and Rear L&R summed signals and automatically equalize them to a flat
frequency response. These digital-domain corrections can vary from subtle
to dramatic, depending on the amount of equalization engineered into the
factory audio system.

5. A simple calibration process initiates the automatic level adjustment, time

correction, signal summing and equalization tasks.

6. Once calibrated, the FiX™ 86 delivers corrected analog signals to your

aftermarket signal processor or amplifier(s) via six low-distortion, line-level
RCA-type outputs with 4-volt (RMS) capability. Front L&R, Rear L&R and non­fading (front + rear) subwoofer outputs permit retention of the OEM fader’s
functionality while also offering dedicated subwoofer outputs.

7. Differential-balanced input architecture ensures noise immunity and

compatibility with most analog output OEM source units or amplifiers.

8. Selectable turn-on options for activation include: conventional 12-volt

trigger, automatic via Signal-Sensing or automatic via DC Offset-Sensing.

9. FiX™ 86 provides a dedicated remote turn-on voltage output for activating

aftermarket amplifiers or signal processors.

10. JLid™ Controller Port allows connection of the optional DRC-100 or DRC-200

Digital Remote Controllers (each sold separately), adding Master Volume
Control and/or Subwoofer Level Control, Handsfree Optimization Mode and
LED Status Reporting capabilities from the driver’s seat.

11. USB port provides access to update firmware and advanced options.

The FiX™ 86 can be used as a standalone integration device, sending
crystal-clear audio to your amplifiers, or as a gateway to world-class sound by
using it with our TwK™ System Tuning DSP (sold separately).

Planning Your Installation

It is important that you take the time to read this manual and that you plan
your installation carefully. It is very easy to damage expensive vehicle systems
in modern automobiles. Never assume that you have found appropriate wires
without consulting a reliable wiring diagram or without performing signal
testing with proper test equipment. If you are uncomfortable or unfamiliar with
reading diagrams or testing signals, please enlist the services of your authorized
JL Audio dealer to perform the installation.

Installation Procedure/Making Connections

The FiX™ 86 uses removable plugs for making power and signal input
connections. Receptacles in each plug accept up to 16 AWG wire. To attach
wires to the plug, remove the plug from the FiX™ 86 and use a small flathead
screwdriver to back out the set screws. Strip 1/4 inch (6 mm) of insulation from
the end of each wire and insert the bare wire into the receptacle, seating it firmly
so that no wire is exposed. While holding each wire in place, tighten the set
screw firmly, taking care not to strip the head of the screw.

+12VDC (Battery)

Ground

+12VDC (Switched)

Remote Out

Valet In

Use caution to ensure correct polarity and wire placement of the Power and
OEM Input connections.

Make sure to observe proper orientation when inserting each plug into
the FiX™ 86. Each plug is keyed to fit in one direction only. When inserted
correctly, the set screws should be facing down.

Use good quality crimp connectors (or solder with heat shrink tubing) when
making connections to a vehicle’s electrical system. Protect all wires from sharp
edges (metal dash frame, firewall, etc.) by carefully routing and securing them,
using grommets and loom where appropriate. Failure to do so may result in a
dangerous short circuit.

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