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Output Level Matching
If you have ever listened to a friend’s “killer” car audio system and heard
lots of hiss, clicks or pops, then you may have experienced an improperly
level-matched system. When a performance autosound system is properly
level matched, you should get the maximum output from your source unit and
amplifiers without any clipping or that annoying hiss! The following steps
will help you through the process, although at the end of the day, your ears
will be your guides!
1. Set your source unit’s fader and balance controls to their center positions.
If your source unit has a subwoofer output (and you are using it), set the out-
put level at minimum.
2. Disconnect the RCA cables between your LC7 and the amplifier(s). Oth-
erwise get some earplugs.
3. Start playing some dynamic music and set the volume on your source unit
to about 3/4 of maximum. You should not be hearing anything at this point as
the amplifiers are unplugged. If you are hearing music, go back to step #2; if
you are hearing voices go see a doctor!
4. Adjust the output level controls until the “Maximized” light starts to flick-
er. If the Maximized LED does not come on but you are hearing music, fear
not. The signal level from your source unit is probably not sufficient enough to
trigger the LED. Do not worry, proceed on.
5. Set the input gains on the amplifier(s) at minimum! This is known as
turning down your gains.
6. Double check that you performed Step #5!
7. Decrease the volume control on your source unit
and re-connect the RCA’s between the LC7
and the external amplifier(s).
8. Now increase the volume on your
source unit to your normal listening
level. For some of you, this may
be louder than others!
9. At this point you may find
yourself going back and adjusting
the Output Level controls on your
LC7 to balance the front, rear, and
subwoofer sections of your system to accommodate speaker placement and ef-
ficiency. Speakers on the rear deck of your car will probably sound louder that
the ones in your doors!
Dash Control
Placement And Mounting
The dash control may be mounted under the dash using its own bracket or
through a custom hole in the dash. It should be within reach of the driver and
in a spot where the LED is plainly visible.
Figure 8: Dash Control Assembly
