4-Channel Line Output Converter
SummingŸAUX InputŸMulti-Function Remote
Owner’s Manual
www.wavtech-usa.com
WARNING
CAUTION
This symbol means important instructions.
Failure to heed them can result in serious injury or death.
This symbol means important instructions.
Failure to heed them can result in injury or property damages.
• DO NOT DRIVE WHILE DISTRACTED. Any function that requires your prolonged attention should not be performed
while driving. Always stop the vehicle in a safe location before performing any such function. Failure to do so may
result in an accident.
• KEEP THE VOLUME AT MODERATE LEVELS WHILE DRIVING. Excess volume levels can obscure sounds such as
emergency vehicle sirens or road warning signals and may result in an accident. Continuous exposure to high sound
pressure levels may cause permanent hearing loss. Use common sense and practice safe sound.
• FOR USE WITH 12V NEGATIVE GROUND VEHICLE APPLICATIONS ONLY. Using this product other than in its
designed application may result in fire, injury or product damage.
• MAKE THE CORRECT WIRING CONNECTIONS AND USE PROPER FUSE PROTECTION. Failure to connect wiring
correctly or use appropriate fuse protection may result in fire, injury or product damage . Ensure proper fusing of all
system power wiring and install a 1-ampere in-line fuse (not included) with the +12V lead to the unit’s power supply
connector.
• DISCONNECT THE NEGATIVE BATTERY TERMINAL BEFORE INSTALLATION. Failure to do so may result in fire,
injury or damage to the unit.
• D O NOT ALLOW CABLES TO BECOME ENTANGLED IN SURROUNDING OBJECTS. Arrange wiring and cables to
prevent obstructions when driving. Cables or wiring that obstruct or hang up on places such as steering wheel, brake
pedals, etc. can be extremely hazardous.
• DO NOT DAMAGE VEHICLE SYSTEMS OR WIRING WHEN DRILLING HOLES. When drilling holes in the chassis for
installation, take precautions so as not to contact, puncture or obstruct brake lines, fuel lines, fuel tanks, electrical
wiring, etc. Failure to take such precautions may result in fire or an accident.
• DO NOT UTILIZE OR CONNECT TO ANY PART OF VEHICLE SAFETY SYSTEMS. Bolts, nuts or wires used in the
brake, airbag, steering or any other safety-related systems or fuel tanks should NEVER be used for mounting, power or
ground connections. Using such parts may disable control of the vehicle or result in fire.
CAUTION
• STOP USE IMMEDIATELY IF A PROBLEM OCCURS. Failure to do so may result in personal injury or damage to the
product. Return it to your authorized Wāvtech dealer.
• HAVE AN EXPERT DO THE WIRING AND INSTALLATION. This unit requires special technical skill and experience for
wiring and installation. To insure safety and proper function, always contact the authorized dealer where you
purchased the product to have it done professionally.
• INSTALL THE UNIT SECURELY WITH SPECIFIED PARTS. Be sure to use only the included parts and specified
installation accessories (not included). Use of other than designated parts may damage this unit. Install the unit
securely so that it will not come loose during a collision or sudden jolt.
• ROUTE WIRING AWAY FROM SHARP EDGES AND MOVING PARTS. Arrange cables and wiring away from sharp or
pointed edges and avoid moving parts such as seat hinges or rails to prevent pinching or wear. Use loom protection
where appropriate and always use a grommet for any wiring routed through metal.
• NEVER RUN SYSTEM WIRING OUTSIDE OR UNDERNEATH THE VEHICLE. All wiring must be routed, secured and
protected inside the vehicle. Failure to do so may result in fire, injury or property damage.
• INSTALL THE UNIT IN A DRY AND VENTILATED LOCATION. Avoid mounting locations where the unit will likely be
exposed to high moisture or heat without adequate ventilation. Moisture penetration or heat buildup may result in
product failure.
• REDUCE GAIN AND SOURCE VOLUME TO MINIMUM LEVELS FOR INITIAL SYSTEM TUNING AND BEFORE
CONNECTION TO AN AMPLIFIER. Ensure amplifier power is off before connecting RCA cables and follow proper
system gain setting procedures. Failure to do so may result in damage to the amplifier and/or connected components.
WARNING
Package Contents:
Main Unit Terminals
1
(3pcs, detachable)
Mounting Tabs
(2pcs, detachable)
Multi-Function Remote
Remote Cable
(16.4ft / 5m)
Accessories Required for
Installation (not included):
Ÿ RCA Interconnects
Ÿ 18AWG Wire
Ÿ In-line Fuse Holder w/1A fuse
Ÿ Battery Ring Terminal
Ÿ Ground Terminal
Ÿ Wire Crimp Connectors
Ÿ Grommets and Loom
Ÿ Cable Ties
Ÿ Mounting Screws
Introduction
Welcome to Wāvtech, exceptional mobile audio integration products for audiophiles. Our products are
engineered to provide a truly remarkable listening experience. Built for the professional installer, our
OEM integration and signal processor models are simply the best solution available for unlimited sound
system upgrades while retaining the factory receiver.
Features
Ÿ 4-Channel Line Output Converter
Ÿ 4-Channel Summing Processor
Ÿ Multi-Function Remote (patent pending)
Master Volume Control
AUX Volume Control
Independent CH3/4 Level
Source/Function Select
Ÿ AUX 3.5mm Input
Ÿ Differential Balanced Inputs
Ÿ Low Impedance Outputs
Ÿ Independent Variable Gains with Clip LEDs
Ÿ 2ch/4ch Input Select
Ÿ 2-Way Summing with Retained CH3/4 Level Control
Ÿ Auto Turn-On via DC-Offset or Audio Signal Detect
Ÿ Generated +12V Remote Output
Ÿ OEM Load Detect Compatible
Ÿ Selectable Ground Isolation
Ÿ Detachable Power and Speaker Input Terminals
Ÿ Professional Grade Panel Mount RCA Output Jacks
Ÿ Aluminum Chassis w/Detachable Mounting Tabs
Connections & Functions
Œ
Œ Power Indicator: This red LED indicates when the link4 is powered on. Once illuminated, there will be
a short delay before audio signal output is enabled. During initial power connection, the LED may
illuminate for a brief period.
Ground Jumper: For selecting between chassis, isolation or 200Ω for the internal audio signal ground.
Chassis ground is the default setting and is ideal for most applications due to the differential input
stage. In the rare case there is system noise present after all other installation countermeasures,
changing this jumper to ISO or 200Ω may reduce or eliminate the noise.
Ž Power Supply Terminal: For +12V battery, chassis ground, remote input and remote output wire
connections. A minimum of 18AWG wire is recommended for power and ground connections. Always
protect the +12V power wire with a 1-amp fuse.
Speaker Level Input Terminals: For up to four channels of speaker level (a.k.a. high level) input
connections to the source. Input signals ranging from 2Vrms to 20Vrms will produce up to 10Vrms
RCA output at maximum to minimum gain setting. Dynamic music signal peaks are allowable up to
40Vrms, but will be clipped.
‘ Auxiliary Input Jack: This 3.5mm stereo AUX input is for the connection of a portable device such as a
smartphone or MP3 player, but may also be used for other low level (a.k.a line level) sources using a
3.5mm adapter. AUX may be selected as a separate source via the multi-function remote, or
programmed as the primary source for stand-alone systems where the speaker level inputs are not
used (see pg4). Input signals ranging from 0.5Vrms to 5Vrms will produce up to 10Vrms RCA output at
maximum to minimum gain setting.
’“ RCA Output Jacks: These four channels of RCA line level outputs are for signal connection to your
amplifier(s). CH1/2’s output will depend upon which INPUT CH setting is selected for CH1/2 (see pg3),
while CH3/4 will always pass through its input signal directly. When selected, the AUX input will
supply left/right stereo signals to both CH1/2 and CH3/4 outputs. Use quality interconnects to ensure
stable connection and minimize the possibility for induced noise.
” Remote Level Control Jack: This RJ45 jack is for connecting the supplied cable to the external multi-
function remote controller. A standard ethernet cable may also be used.
• Mounting Tabs: These mounting tabs are pre-attached and should be used to properly secure the
link4 during installation with screws or cable ties. They are removable if the unit can be safely secured
by another method.
Ž
‘
”
’ “
•
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Top Panel Adjustments
Œ
Ž
‘
”
“
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Œ AUX Gain Adjustment: In systems using both the link4's main speaker level and auxiliary inputs, this
gain adjustment is primarily for matching the AUX output level with that of the main source. It is
recommended to set the speaker level input gain(s) first, particularly if summing. For stand-alone
systems using only the AUX input, use this gain adjustment to match the source’s maximum unclipped
signal output and connected amplifier(s) input capability. For portable devices such as smartphones or
MP3 players, it is recommended to use the multi-function remote as the master system volume
control and leave the device at its maximum clean volume setting.
ŽClipping Indicators: These yellow LEDs indicate when the signal output from either CH1/2 or CH3/4
is at maximum level before clipping (distortion) occurs, whether the source is main speaker level or
AUX input. Each will be dimly lit at onset of clipping, and full bright under hard clipping. If the
connected amplifier(s) input can handle full 10Vrms output from the link4, then the gain is set
correctly when source unit is at its maximum unclipped volume and this LED is just starting to flicker.
It is likely, however, that gain will need to be reduced to match your amplifier’s maximum input
capability or optimize source volume range.
CH1/2 Gain Adjustment: This gain adjustment is for matching CH1/2’s output signal level with the
source’s maximum unclipped signal range and the maximum input capability of connected
amplifier(s). When a 4-channel speaker level source is connected, CH1/2’s gain adjustment should be
used for matching output level with that set for CH3/4, particularly when CH1+3/2+4 summed input is
selected. If CH1/2 direct signal input is selected, adjust for any desired gain differences at the link4
while also minimizing amplifier gain settings for best S/N. Note that this gain adjustment will be
bypassed if input select is set to CH3/4 copy.
CH1/2 Input Select: This 3-position switch is for selecting which signal is routed internally to CH1/2’s
output stage. It provides for 2-channel, 4-channel or summed input as follows:
‘ CH1/2 (Direct): For systems with a 4-channel speaker level source connected at the input
terminals, this setting routes the signal input at CH1/2 directly to its gain and output stages.
’ CH3/4 (Copy): This setting is for systems where only a 2-channel speaker level source is available
and is connected at CH3/4’s input terminal. When selected, the internal signal after CH3/4’s gain
stage is copied to CH1/2’s output stage. This bypasses CH1/2’s gain so all four output channels are
controlled together by CH3/4’s gain adjustment. If independent gain is desired for CH1/2’s output,
use jumper wires at the input terminals and select CH1/2 direct input instead.
“ CH1+3/2+4 (Sum): Selecting this setting will
sum CH1+CH3 (left) and CH2+CH4 (right) input
signals after their gain stages and route them
to their respective CH1(left) and CH2 (right)
outputs. For vehicles without an available fullrange signal, this setting can be used to sum
pre-filtered signals together to create a
useable full-range output. When a 4-channel
full-range source is available, this setting may
also be used to ensure CH1/2’s output will
always retain at least half signal, regardless of
the source unit’s fader position.
Level
Level
CH3/4
Input
CH1/2
Input
Freq
Freq
CH1+3/2+4
Summed Output
Level
Freq
CH3/4
Output
Level
Freq
” CH3/4 Gain Adjustment: This gain adjustment is for matching CH3/4’s output signal level with the
source’s maximum unclipped signal range and the maximum input capability of connected
amplifier(s). For systems using all four channels of the Link4’s outputs, it is recommended to set gain
for CH3/4 first as the reference, particularly when summing and using its pass-through. Follow proper
gain setting procedures to ensure optimum source volume range with minimum chance for clipping at
any point in the signal chain. Aside from music, a 1kHz -10dBfs signal tone may also be used during the
tuning process to ensure proper headroom and gain overlap for typical music recording levels.
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