The Strength of Digital
™
D. 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 that annoying hiss! The following steps will help guide you through the process, although at the end of the day, your ears will be your guide!
1)Set your source unit’s fader and balance controls to their center positions.
2)Disconnect the output RCA connections be- tween your DQX and the amplifier(s)...otherwise get some ear plugs.
3)Start playing some relatively dynamic music and set the volume on your source unit to about 3/4 of maximum. You should not hear anything at this point. If you are hearing music, go back to step #2 … if you are hearing voices, go see a doctor!
4)Starting with the DQX “Input Level” control, increase or decrease the control knob until the “Input Maximized” LED begins to flicker steadily with the music.
5)Now adjust the output level control until the “2 volt” or “5 volt” light starts to flicker. You will want the output voltage to match up your ampli- fiers input gain levels. If you don’t know how much this is, ASK the amplifier manufacturer or read the owner’s manual of the amplifier.
6)Very Important - Set the input gains on the amplifier(s) at minimum!
7)Double check that you performed Step #6
8)Decrease the volume control on your source unit and
9)Now increase the volume on your source unit to your normal listening level. For some of you, this may be louder than others!
10)At this point you may find yourself going back and adjusting the “Output Level” controls on your DQX to accommodate for the speaker placement and efficiency.
Owner’s Enjoyment Manual | 11 |