Remote Level Control
This amplifier is equipped with a remote level control for the front channels. This level control is used in conjunction
with the LOWPASS crossover.
This control has the effect of reducing the gain by -12dB. To use this control set the
gains to the maximum (
SAFE and undistorted
) volume you would use. The remote is then used to adjust this level
down to a normal level. It will not mute
these channels completely.
This
Does Not
control the Bass Boost.
Crossover Controls
A crossover is a device that removes unwanted frequencies from a speaker or amplifier. A tweeter can easily be
destroyed by bass notes if they are not filtered out. Likewise a subwoofer will not sound natural if it is playing midrange
notes. A crossover removes these sounds from the speaker. As you might guess, careful adjustment is need to ensure
that all the speakers are playing the right sounds and that
you are left with no “holes” or low spots in the frequency
response.
Gain
Because of the wide range of head unit output configurations all ARC Audio amplifiers have an adjustable input sensitivity
or “Gain”. The gain is not a volume or a power limiting control like a throttle. It makes the amp more sensitive to input from
the stereo. With the gain up the amp will reach full output at a lower volume setting on the deck. At higher gain settings
the amp also becomes more sensitive to noise from the car’s electrical system. Try to run the gain at the lowest setting
possible for you system.
There is no correct gain setting. Because speakers require
different power demands to reach the same output, the
gains most often need to be used to compensate for these
differences. If you tried to set all the gains at half way you
would probably find the system didn’t sound very good.
Using good judgment and listening carefully to each speaker
is still the best way to tune a system.
Input Section
This XDi amplifier in equipped with a Balanced Input Stage that is compatible with any analog source including Balanced
and Unbalanced RCA, Common ground speaker level output or BTL (Bridged Tied Load) outputs common on many OEM
headunits. The RCA pigtails included with this amplifier are intended to be used to speaker level outputs and include a
divider network molded into the end to reduce the level of
the OEM system.
If you are integrating into an OEM systems
balanced or common ground line level signal you should
not use these Pigtails.
In this case it is recommended that
you use an appropriate RCA cable with 1 set of ends
removed as inputs for the amplifier.
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