We get some phone calls from time to time about just what all of those knobs do on the LC2i™ and whether the LC2i™ actually requires power. So, we thought we would put together this handy little page to help answer some of those questions.
1. The LC2i™ requires power...
One of the things that makes the LC2i™ very special is that it is a fully active line output converter. This means that there is no signal lost through passive components and what sounds good coming out of your factory stereo is going to sound great through the LC2i™. It also means that the LC2i™ requires power. A common misconception is that the LC2i™ is powered through the speaker connections. The function of the GTO™ Signal Sense circuitry can be misleading in that it triggers the LC2i™ on - the important distinction is that GTO™ acts as a switch, not a power supply. Once you have power connected, GTO™ will trigger the LC2i™ on using the signal from most factory systems. Connect the LC2i™ to the positive terminal of your battery for the best constant power connection. Don't forget to fust the connection with a 1 amp fuse.
2. ...and ground
Connect your LC2i™ to the negative terminal on your battery for the best ground connection.
Go ahead, click a knob or feature on the LC2i™ below for a brief explanation of each function.
The LC2i™ ships with GTO™ Signal Sense enabled. If you want to use your own remote trigger, simply move the GTO™ jumper from Enable to Bypass, then connect your switched accesory (for example) to the remote in. The Remote Out will be active, regardless of whether you use GTO™ Signal Sense or the Remote In to trigger the LC2i™ on.
We cannot overstate the importance of level matching. The goal here is to utilize the LC2i's™ maximum gain potential, so the signal you are sending to your amp(s) will be clean and loud.
If you are using both outputs (adding a 4 channel amp and sub), start with the Main Output, then move on to the Bass Output. If you are adding a sub only, then you generally adjust only the Bass Output. We ship the LC2i™ with all level controls centered. Start this procedure by turning the Main and Bass level controls all the way down (leave the AccuBASS™ Level set).
If you are using the LC2i™ to add a sub, you will have level match by ear. The steps below are for complete systems (no speakers connected to the factory sysetm).
1. Disconnect the LC2i™ from your aftermarket amplifier.
2. Find some loud music that you are familiar with and play it back on repeat with your head unit - turn the head unit up to 3/4 volume (make sure fade and balance are centered).
3. Starting with the Main level control all the way down, adjust up slowly until you see the Maximize begin to flicker. Back the Main level off now just a bit until the Maximize light stops flickering. You have now maximized the signal for the Main Output. If you are using the Bass Output, repeat this same procedure with the Bass level control - if you have an ACR-1, leave it disconnected at this stage. If you are only using the Bass output, you needn't concern yourself with the Main level control.
NOTE: If your Maximize light doesn't flicker at all, the signal from your factory system is probably low so it's not triggering the Maximize LED.
4. The final stage in level matching is to make sure your amps can handle what the LC2i™ is dishing out. Check your amp specs and find out what the rated input maximum voltage is. The LC2i™ can output a maximum of 9.5Vrms and it is not a bad idea to measure the outputs of your LC2i™ during the level matching procedure to make sure you won't be clipping your amp. If you don't have a volt meter, let your ears be your guide (clipping is hard to miss).
Many factory systems limit bass at higher volumes. If the sound system in your car does this, it is hard to miss. AccuBASS™ is easy to set up. Once your system is installed and your amps are connected, these are the steps to set it up:
No problem! Turn the AccuBASS™ Level control fully down, rotate the threshold control fully clockwise to lock in the bass equalization. Now you can adjust the AccuBASS™ Level control for the amount of bass you want.