Wavtech LINK8 User Manual

8-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

(5pcs, detachable)

Mounting Tabs

(4pcs, 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 8-Channel Line Output Converter
Ÿ 8-Channel Summing Processor
Ÿ Multi-Function Remote (patent pending)

 Master Volume Control
 AUX Volume Control
 Independent CH7/8 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/6ch/8ch Input Select
Ÿ 2/3/4-Way Summing
Ÿ Never-Zero Ch7/8 Output with Front & Rear Input
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

Ž





’

‘

ΠPower Indicator: This red LED indicates when the link8 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 eight 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 eight channels of RCA line level outputs are for signal connection to your

amplifier(s). CH3/4, CH5/6 and CH7/8’s output will depend upon which INPUT CH setting is selected
for each pair (see pg3), while CH1/2 will always pass through its input signal directly. When selected,
the AUX input will supply left/right stereo signals to all four pairs of outputs. 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 supplied cable to the external multi-

function remote controller. A standard ethernet cable may also be used.

“ Mounting Tabs: These mounting tabs are for securing the link8 during installation with screws or

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

2

Top Panel Adjustments

ΠAUX Gain Adjustment: In systems

using both the link8'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.

 CH1/2, CH3/4, CH5/6, CH7/8 Gain Adjustments: These gain adjustments are for matching each pair of

output channels’ 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 to as close to flat
as possible. If a gain difference between channels is desired with direct signal input, adjustments
made at the link8 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 at onset of clipping, and full bright under hard clipping. If the connected
amplifier(s) input can handle full 10Vrms output from the link8, 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.

 CH3/4, CH5/6, CH7/8 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, 6-channel or 8­channel 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 internal 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 4-way factory system. Note that although CH1/2’s output is always
passed through, it’s frequency content may still be useable. Additionally, when a front signal is
input, summed or copied to CH5/6 and a rear signal is input to CH7/8 (or vise versa), selecting
CH5+7/CH6+8 can be used to ensure CH7/8’s output will always retain at least half signal level
(Never-Zero) for a subwoofer, regardless of the source unit’s fader position.

Example: 4-way Summing Signal Flow

GAIN

GAIN

GAIN

GAIN

CH1/2

IN

CH3/4

IN

CH5/6

IN

CH7/8

IN

Tweeter HP

Level

Freq

Midrange BP

Level

Freq

Midbass BP

Level

Freq

Sub LP

Level

Freq

3

Œ



Ž



CH1/2

‘

CH1+3
CH2+4



’ 

CH1+3+5
CH2+4+6

CH1+3+5+7
CH2+4+6+8

‘

’ 

Level LevelLevelLevel

BP+BP+HP

Full-Range

HP

Freq

BP+HP

Freq

Freq

Freq

‘

’

CH1/2

OUT

CH3/4

OUT

CH5/6

OUT

CH7/8

OUT