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LC8

™

Eight Channel Line Output Converter with Auxiliary Input

For interfacing with factory installed audio systems

Greetings from the rainforests of the Pacic Northwest. We would

like to congratulate you on your purchase of the LC8i; a compact eight-

channel, high-performance, line-output converter. This unique product

will accept two, four, six or eight channels of speaker-level signal from a

factory-installed amplier or source unit and convert it to a high-quality,

low-noise pre-amp signal. It will also accept an auxiliary source so you

can integrate an iPod, Satellite Radio, or other source into your system.

In addition, the remote of the LC8i allows you to control the volume of

the auxiliary input and the Bass Output (Channel 4). Therefore, the LC8i

is an ideal OEM interface component. Whether this is your rst product

from the rainforest dwellers of AudioControl or you are already a rm

believer, you will denitely enjoy how great the LC8i can make your

performance system sound.

Now before you start salivating just thinking about the benets and all

of the nifty applications for your LC8i, take a few minutes to sit back,

have a cold beverage, and read through this manual. We always love to

hear from our customers, but have tried to answer all of your questions

in this manual so it contains lots of useful facts and information - - and

besides, we spent a lot of time writing it!

Key Features of The LC8i

Here are some of the cool features that your LC8i offers:

• Eight input and output channels

• Speaker-level inputs – can accept 400-watts per channel

• Auxiliary input for iPod, Satellite radio, or other source

•

Dash control for subwoofer level, auxiliary volume and source selection

• Compact size for easy installation

• Channel summing

• GTO™ - signal sensing inputs (selectable)

• Level matching controls

• 12 volt trigger output

• Recyclable cardboard box for easy storage

making good sound better

Summary of content (18 pages)

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LC8 ™ Eight Channel Line Output Converter with Auxiliary Input For interfacing with factory installed audio systems Greetings from the rainforests of the Pacific Northwest. We would like to congratulate you on your purchase of the LC8i; a compact eightchannel, high-performance, line-output converter. This unique product will accept two, four, six or eight channels of speaker-level signal from a factory-installed amplifier or source unit and convert it to a high-quality, low-noise pre-amp signal.
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Features and Highlights Speaker-Level Inputs If you are like many people who like the look and features of their factory-installed source unit, but feel your system overall is lacking power and bass, we have good news. The LC8i has high-impedance speakerlevel inputs that allow it to accept amplified signals (up to 400 watts per channel) from most factory-installed source units (even Bose) and output a high-quality pre-amp signal via standard RCA connectors.
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particularly handy when using the LC8i with a factory system that has multiple, actively crossed over signals being sent from an OEM source unit or amplifier(s). For example, in some vehicles there is an actively crossed over tweeter, midrange, and woofer all in the front of the vehicle. The LC8i lets you take all of those signals and sum them together to get a high quality, full range, pre-amp signal without the use of any additional cables or hardware.
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to perform the installation. Not only do they have all the right knowledge and tools, but also in the unlikely chance your LC8i should stop working, we will back it with a limited five years parts and labor warranty. Should you choose to install it yourself we will still give you a one-year parts and labor warranty. To activate your warranty, simply go to www.audiocontrol.com, click on “Mobile Audio”, click on “Warranty Registration” and fill in the form. Quick, easy and no stamp needed.
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Figure 1: Basic LC8i System If you need to know more, then read on. Heck, if you don’t need to know more, still read on, because you can never know too much. As much as we would like to get your calls and e-mails, most of the answers to your questions are in this manual! A Guided Tour of LC8i 1. Speaker-level Inputs: The LC8i has eight speaker-level inputs. These inputs get their signals from the speaker-level outputs of your factory-installed source unit or amplifier.
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7. Power: If you have connected all of your power wires correctly, this light should be bright red when your system turns on. 8. Remote Source/Level Control: This multi-function dash control allows you to select the input source and set the level of the subwoofer. It also controls the auxiliary input volume. “Source” and “Level” LEDs let you know the status of the controls. See Figure 9: Dash control LEDs for an explanation of LED functions. 9.
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11. Channel Summed Indicators: Under the cover of your LC8i are jumpers that will allow you to sum selected channels into the main (#1) channels. This is especially useful for factory-installed systems with actively crossed over speaker systems. These indicator LED’s let you know which channels are being summed into the main inputs. 12. Auxiliary Input: This RCA connection can accept any two-channel audio signal that comes from secondary source devices like an iPod, MP3 player, or Satellite radio.
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Figure 3: Inside view of LC8i AutoMode: Some cars have unusual signals on their speaker leads and will not be read by the AutoMode circuit. When this occurs you can manually turn off the AutoMode function. This is done by moving the internal AutoMode jumper to “Defeat”. In this mode, you will need signal on the Channel 4 inputs to output signals on the output. LC8i Block Diagram Installing Your LC8i By this time we are sure that you are chomping at the bit to install your LC8i.
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Placement & Mounting of the LC8i Your LC8i can be physically installed in numerous locations like behind your dashboard, under a seat, or even in the trunk. Since you will be connecting to the speaker wires from the factory source unit or its amplifier(s), you should select a location that is convenient for wiring. Once you have selected a permanent mounting location, position the unit and mark the appropriate mounting holes with a felt-tip pin or scratch awl.
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LC8i Power Wiring WARNING: Failure to disconnect the negative terminal of your battery prior to the installation of your LC8i can result in a warm tingly feeling. (+12V) Positive Connection: Insert a 12 to18 gauge wire into the connector labeled “+12” on the nifty connector of your LC8i. Connect it to a good constant source of 12 volts (we suggest the battery), fused at 2 amps.
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Interfacing with factory-installed radio Figure 6: LC8i system using summing functions plus active equalization and crossover Figure 7: 5.1 factory surround system Speaker-Level Inputs The LC8i is designed to accept an amplified, speaker-level signal from a factory source unit or amplifier. You will want to refer to a factory service manual or wiring-harness schematic to determine which wires are the speaker wires for your system.
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Inputs on your LC8i. Make sure to get your “pluses” and “minuses” connected properly. Pre-Amp Outputs Connect good quality RCA connectors from these outputs to the inputs of your amplifiers. While we won’t get into the discussion as to whether plutonium cables sound better than un-obtainium cables. We will tell you that well-constructed cables are less problematic in rugged environment like your car system.
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RTA is displaying a smooth or relatively flat response curve. 5) If you wish to make any additional frequency response adjustments you may want consider adding an equalizer to your system (we happen to know someone who makes some really good ones). 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 probably experienced an improperly level-matched system.
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Dual Dash Control LEDs The LEDs on your dash control let you know the status of the control and the source of the sound. With only the orange LED lit you are listening to the main input and the knob will control the subwoofer (Channel 4) output. When only the blue LED is lit, you are listening to the Auxiliary input and the knob controls the Aux volume. When both LEDs are lit you are listening to the Auxiliary input and the knob controls the subwoofer (Channel 4).
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System Hiss: Check to make sure that your amplifier gains are set at the minimum level. Possibly revisit “Level Match” instructions on page 10. Turn-On Pop or Turn-Off Pop: This generally occurs when your amplifiers are turning-on or off at a different time than your LC8i .
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If You Like the LC8i, You’ll Love… The EQS six-channel equalizer, is the perfect trunk mount processor for those of you who want to improve the sound and detail of your vehicle. Less than ideal factory speaker locations can make even the best speaker systems cry out for help. The equalization controls on the EQS provide you with an ideal amount of tone control to tame even the most challenging acoustical situations.
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States AudioControl dealer). We will fix or replace it, at our option, during that time. Here are the conditional conditions: 1. You have to visit our website and register your information within 15 days after purchasing your LC8i . 2. You must keep your sales receipt for proof of purchase, showing when and from whom the unit was bought. We’re not the only ones who require this, so it’s a good habit to get into with any major purchase. 3.
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LC8i SPECIFICATIONS All specifications are measured at 14.4 VDC (standard automotive voltage). As technology advances, AudioControl reserves the right to continuously change our specifications, like our Pacific Northwest weather although we are working on it. Maximum speaker-level input ........... 400 watts per channel @ 4 ohms Maximum output level............................................................... 8.5Vrms Output gain .............................................................................