Wavtech LINK-6 Owner's Manual

6-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

PWR/SPK GND

Mounting Tabs

(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 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 6-Channel Line Output Converter
Ÿ 6-Channel Summing Processor
Ÿ Multi-Function Remote

 Master Volume
 AUX Volume
 Independent CH5/6 Level
 Source/Function Select

Ÿ AUX 3.5mm Input
Ÿ Differential Balanced Inputs
Ÿ Low Impedance Outputs

Ÿ Variable Gain Adjustments w/Clip LEDs
Ÿ 2/4/6-Channel Input Select
Ÿ 2/3-Way Summing w/Retained CH5/6 Level Control
Ÿ Never-Zero CH5/6 Output with Front & Rear Inputs
Ÿ Selectable DC-Offset and/or Audio Detect Auto Turn-On
Ÿ Generated +12V Remote Output
Ÿ OEM Load Detect Compatible
Ÿ Locking Detachable Power/Speaker Terminals
Ÿ Panel Mount RCA Jacks
Ÿ Compact Aluminum Chassis w/Detachable Mounting Tabs

Connections & Functions

ΠPower Indicator: This red LED indicates

when the link6 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.

 Auto Turn-On Detect Jumpers: By

default, the link6 is set to detect
both DC-offset and audio signal for
turning itself on/off automatically.
These jumpers allow either mode to
be independently defeated for cases
where only one turn-on mode is
preferred or to bypass both modes
when a switched +12V trigger is available and connected to the REM IN terminal.

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 six channels of speaker level input connections to the source.

Input signals ranging from 2Vrms to 20Vrms will produce up to 10Vrms RCA output from maximum to
minimum gain. For factory amplifiers with more than 20Vrms signal or if the link6’s output is too high
for the connected aftermarket amplifier(s) with all gains at minimum, internal jumpers are available to
reduce the input sensitivity range by half (-6dB) for 4Vrms up to 40Vrms.

 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. This input is differential but may be set to unbalanced via internal
jumpers (labeled BAL/UNBAL) if required for a particular source.

‘ CH1/2 Output Select: This switch allows CH1/2’s output to be selected between 1/2 for direct input

pass-through (default) or 5/6 to copy signal from CH5/6 internally after its summing stage. The latter
is particularly useful when summing 3-way systems for retaining remote level control over CH5/6
while also providing a separate summed full-range output from CH1/2.

’ RCA Output Jacks: These six channels of RCA outputs are for signal connection to your s

amplifier(s). For a speaker level source, output from CH3/4 and CH5/6 will depend upon their
respective INPUT CH settings (see pg3), while CH1/2 is set by its output select switch (see ‘ above).
For an AUX source, left/right stereo signals will be routed to all output pairs. Use quality
interconnects to ensure stable connections and minimize the possibility for induced noise.

“ Remote Level Control Jack: This RJ45 jack is for connecting the multi-function remote to the main

unit with the supplied cable. A standard ethernet cable may also be used.

” Mounting Tabs: These mounting tabs are for securing the link6 during installation with screws or

cable ties. They are removable if the unit can be safely secured by another method.



Œ

‘

Ž





“

’

”

2

Top Panel Adjustments

ΠAUX Gain Adjustment: This adjustment sets

the gain for all output channels from a low
level source connected to the AUX input jack.
In systems using both the link6's main speaker
level inputs and auxiliary input, 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 when summing.

 CH1/2, CH3/4, and CH5/6 Gain Adjustments:

These gain adjustments are for matching each
output channel pair’s signal level with the source’s maximum unclipped signal range and the
maximum input capability of connected amplifier(s). When summing channels together, these gain
adjustments should be used for matching relative output levels so that the combined signals sum as
close to flat as possible. If a gain difference between channel pairs is desired with direct signal input,
adjustments made at the link6 should also minimize amplifier gain settings for best S/N. Note that the
gain adjustment will be bypassed if its input select is set to copy the previous channel pair.

Ž Clipping Indicators: These yellow LEDs indicate when the output signal from each channel pair is at

maximum level before clipping (distortion) occurs, whether the source is main speaker level or AUX
input. Each will be dimly lit just before the onset of clipping and full bright at clipping. Since the link6
can produce up to 10Vrms output before clipping, it is likely that gain(s) will need to be reduced below
the illumination point(s) to match your amplifier(s) maximum input capability or optimize source
volume range. Note that the AUX input is controlled by its own unified gain that affects all output
channel pairs equally and will illuminate all LEDs simulaneously when clipping.

 CH3/4 and CH5/6 Input Select: These 3-position switches are for selecting which signal is routed

internally to each channel pair’s output stage. It provides for 2-channel, 4-channel or 6-channel input,
as well as various independent and summed input configurations:

 Copy: In the left switch position, this input setting will copy the internal signal from after the

previous channel pair’s gain stage and route to its outputs. This bypasses the gain adjustment so
its outputs are controlled by the previous channel pair’s gain. If independent gain is desired, use
jumper wires at the speaker input terminals and select direct input instead.

‘ Direct: In the middle switch position, this input setting will route the channel pair’s input signal

directly to its gain and output stages.

’ Sum: In the right switch position, this input setting will sum the indicated channel signals from

after their respective gain stages and route the combined signals to its left and right RCA outputs.
For example, if CH3/4’s input select is set to CH1+3/2+4, CH1+3 will be sent to the CH3(L) output,
and CH2+4 will be sent to the CH4(R) output. For vehicles without an available full-range signal,
this function can be used to sum pre-filtered signals together to create a useable frequency range
output from up to a 3-way factory system. Note that CH1/2’s output is selectable, getting its signal
either directly from CH1/2’s input or copied from CH5/6 (after its summing stage). Also note that if
rear channels are input to CH3/4 and front channels are input to CH5/6 (or vise versa), selecting
CH3+5/CH4+6 can be used to ensure CH5/6’s output will always retain at least 50% or more signal
(Never-Zero) for a subwoofer, regardless of fader changes made at the source.

Example: 3-way Summing Signal Flow

GAIN

GAIN

GAIN

CH1/2

IN

CH3/4

IN

CH5/6

IN

Tweeter HP

Level

Freq

Mid/Woofer BP

Level

Freq

Sub LP

Level

Freq

Œ

CH1/2



CH1+3
CH2+4

Ž

CH1+3+5
CH2+4+6



‘





’

HP or Full-Range

Freq

BP+HP

Level LevelLevel

Freq

Full-Range

Freq

‘

’

CH1/2

OUT

CH3/4

OUT

CH5/6

OUT

3