Six-Channel Pre-amp Processor with Signal Delay, Equalization and Selectable Electronic Crossover Greetings from the rainforests of the Pacific Northwest. The DQDX is your gateway to amazing sound from any aftermarket audio system. It is a compact, six channel, high-performance signal processor with independent multi-channel equalization and signal delay to custom tune the system, plus a selectable electronic crossover for precise system set-up.
Important Safety Instructions 1. 2. 3. 4. 5. 6. 7. 8. 9. 10. 11. 12. 13. 14. 15. 16. Read these instructions. Keep these instructions. Heed all warnings. Follow all instructions. Do not use this apparatus near water. Clean only with a dry cloth. Do not block any ventilation openings. Install in accordance with the manufacturer’s instructions. Do not install near any heat sources such as mufflers, silencers, exhaust pipes, or other apparatus (including amplifiers) that produce heat.
The lightning flash with arrowhead symbol within an equilateral triangle is intended to alert the user to the presence of uninsulated “dangerous voltage” within the product’s enclosure, that may be of sufficient magnitude to constitute a risk of electric shock to persons. The exclamation point within an equilateral triangle is intended to alert the user of the presence of important operating and maintenance (servicing) instructions in the literature accompanying the appliance.
Key Features • User-friendly Signal Delay to control the acoustical alignment between the left and right channels plus the front and subwoofer channels • Individual equalization controls for the front, rear and subwoofer channels for simple yet precise system tuning • Fully adjustable 24dB/Octave Linkwitz-Riley electronic crossover • PFM (Program Frequency Match) Subsonic Filter • Six channels of RCA line level inputs • ACR-3 Dash Control Remote allows for control of the subwoofer level, to bypas
Quick Installation Information If you are a seasoned audio enthusiast and are chomping at the bit to begin your experience with the DQDX, we offer some Quick Install Guidelines below to help maximize your experience. Please also refer to the system diagram examples on page 14, 15, and 16. 1. Physically mount the DQDX in a location that keeps it away from beverage spills, food crumbs, and curious fingers. You will want to select a location that allows you access to the top panel controls. 2.
5. Connect your amplifier trigger input to the 12-volt trigger output of the DQDX. 6. VERY IMPORTANT! Make sure the input gain control on your aftermarket amplifier(s) are all the way down (usually counter clockwise). 7. Turn on the system and level match your DQDX to your source unit and amplifiers. 8. Select the correct crossover point on your DQDX to create a HiPass for the front and rear outputs and a Low-Pass for your subwoofer output, if you are not using the crossover on your source unit.
If you have made it to this point and you don’t have any questions, then “Congratulations”! With that said we certainly encourage you to set aside some time to grab a beverage or two and read through this entire manual, since there is a tremendous amount of useful information. Plus we took the time to write it so it would make us feel a whole lot better.
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A Guided Tour of the DQDX 1. RCA Line-Level Inputs: The DQDX has six RCA line-level inputs. These inputs get their signals from the RCA outputs of your source unit. If your source unit has front, rear, and subwoofer RCA line-level outputs, connect them to the three sets of corresponding inputs on your DQDX.
5. Signal Delay Mode: This allows the user to put the DQDX into Set-Up mode and adjust the signal delay settings using the dash control. See page 25 for details on setting this up. 6. Ground: Connect to a good, verified chassis ground (the battery is the best possible location.) Since factory ground wires typically have multiple devices connected to them and could cause ‘Noise’ in the audio system, we would recommend to NOT use factory ground wires or locations. 7.
12. Remote Level Control ACR-3 (Included): In the Set-Up mode, this control is used for setting up the signal delays. In Normal mode, it gives control of the Subwoofer level. Additionally, if you press and hold the remote down for 4 seconds, the outputs of the DQDX will turn from music to Pink Noise. This will assist in the proper setting of the EQ and Delay. When the DQDX is in Normal mode, pressing the remote momentarily will defeat all processing on the DQDX (Equalizer and Signal Delay).
Under the Covers - Internal Jumpers You can optimize your DQDX using most of the controls mounted on the top of the chassis. However, we recognize there are situations where advanced users may have the need to configure the DQDX for specific applications. Therefore we have provided a few setting that are located under the chassis top for limited access. Important Note: Make sure that the power to the DQDX is disconnected before accessing these jumpers.
1. J9 Input Balancing Jumper: For many systems you can leave this jumper in the UNBALANCED position. In other systems, the source unit may look for a ground through the RCA connection to the amplifier and create a ground loop, which in turn can cause a whine (not the type that comes in a bottle) in your system. In that event, you should set this jumper to BALANCED. 2. J10 PFM Jumper: The PFM (Programmable Frequency Match) Filter controls the cutoff frequency of the subwoofer output.
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Great Features of the DQDX Signal Delay Operation Because of speaker placement limitations and seating positions in a car, the driver of the vehicle is usually in an incorrect acoustic alignment with the speakers. The following steps will guide you in delaying the appropriate speakers for just a few milliseconds, so the DQDX is able to allow the different signals to arrive at the same time, putting the driver in perfect acoustical alignment. 1.
Normal Mode (ACR-3 Dash Knob controls the Sub Out) NORMAL LED ON ACR-3 Both LEDs ON • • Signal Delay Engaged Equalizer Engaged ACR-3 Blue LED Only • • Signal Delay Disengaged Equalizer Disengaged Set-up Mode (Dash Knob controls the Signal Delay) SET-UP LED ON Blue LED Flashing, Red LED Solid • Signal Delay Adjustment is Left to Right Blue LED Flashing, Red LED Off • Signal Delay Adjustmentis Sub to Front -----------------------------------------------18 ����������������������������������������������
4. While setting the delay, choose and play a song that has very strong vocals and limited instruments. Talk radio is a great source because you can really ‘visualize’ the voice moving as you adjust the delay. This will make it much easier to move the image from down at your left knee where it currently exists, up to the center of the dash where it needs to be. 5. Left/Right Delay: Push the ACR-3 knob until its blue LED is blinking and the red LED is on solid (this is the Left/Right delay mode).
Equalization Optimization When it comes to music, everyone has his or her own particular taste. Some people want pounding bass and crisp, blood curdling highs. Others may prefer a “flat” response (whatever the heck that is). At the end of the day, most people just want their system to sound balanced and “just like it did in the store” or similar to their buddy’s car.
system from one frequency to the next and give your speakers the sparkle, sizzle, detail or punch that the acoustics of the car have compromised. 3. Start equalizing by removing or cutting any large bumps, peaks, or areas with too much energy at a particular frequency. Next, boost the ranges that do not have enough energy. We strongly recommend that you cut or decrease energy before you boost. 4.
Midrange: 300Hz to 3Khz – Musical instruments, vocals, mid-range percussion and many things we associate with imaging and staging happen in this area of the bandwidth. For that reason you will want to keep this area as smooth and balanced as possible. Too much boosting can make you feel like your listening to your system in a tile bathroom. Not enough energy the midrange sounds empty and dry. Treble: 3KHz and Up – If midrange is the cake, then these high or upper frequencies are considered the frosting.
The DQDX comes with a 24/dB Octave Linkwitz Riley alignment crossover that lets you select the exact crossover point you need for your system. The crossover frequency markings on your DQDX are for reference purposes only.
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 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 annoying hiss. The following steps will help guide you through the process! 1.
Parallel Outputs The DQDX has our unique Front to Sub circuit input that allows the Front input signal to feed the Subwoofer outputs, when no Subwoofer input is available. This allows your DQDX to accept front and rear inputs channels and give you Front, Rear, and Subwoofer output channels. Refer to the Under The Cover section on page 12 for more details. Remote Level Control - ACR-3 The supplied ACR-3 is a multi-function remote that is used for making the initial signal delay adjustments in Set-Up mode.
ACR-3 Custom Installation For that custom, finished look, the ACR-3 can be flush mounted directly on the dash-board (or anywhere else). Disassemble the ACR-3 from its mounting bracket. Drill a 9/32” (7 mm) hole in the dashboard for the control along with a 3/32” (2.3 mm) hole for the lock tab and 1/8” (3 mm) holes for the LEDs. Make sure that you do not drill though any wires or other components. Reassemble the dash control components on the dashboard.
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The WARRANTY People are scared of warranties. Lots of fine print right? Well, fear no more, this warranty is designed to make you rave about us to your friends. It’s a warranty that looks out for you and helps you resist the temptation to have your friend, “...who’s good with electronics”, attempt to repair your AudioControl product. Go ahead and read this warranty, and then take a few days to enjoy your new DQDX before going on line to register your unit at www.audiocontrolregistration.com.
4. You cannot let anybody who isn’t: (A) the AudioControl factory; (B) somebody authorized in writing by AudioControl to service your DQDX. If anyone other than (A) or (B) messes with your DQDX, that voids your warranty. 5. The warranty is also void if the serial number is altered or removed, or if the DQDX has been used improperly. Now that may sound like a big loophole, but here is all we mean by it.
DQDX SPECIFICATIONS All specifications are measured at 14.4 VDC (standard automotive voltage.) As technology advances, AudioControl reserves the right to continuously change our specifications, in our never-ceasing quest for audio righteousness. Maximum output level................................................................ 7.5 Vrms Output attenuation......................................................................+/-12 dB Frequency response.........................................................
AudioControl, Making Good Sound Great and DQDX are all trademarks of AudioControl Inc. This manual was conceived, designed, and written on a cold and windy day in the Pacific Northwest which is what the locals from Seattle call “spring.
® Making Good Sound Great™ 22410 70th Ave West Mountlake Terrace, WA 98043 USA Phone 425-775-8461 P/N 913-125-0 Rev B
