Audio Control The Epicenter Plus Manual de usuario
Bass Restoration Processor
Owner’s Enjoyment Manual
Greetings from the rainforest dwellers of the Pacic Northwest. We would like to
congratulate you on your purchase of The Epicenter Plus from AudioControl. As the
name suggests this processor is based on AudioControl’s legendary (and patented)
bass restoration circuitry, appropriately named The Epicenter. Whether this is your
rst AudioControl product, or you are already a rm believer, the bass restoration
enhancements of The Epicenter Plus will leave you breathless. Extra octaves of deep,
body shivering bass can dramatically increase the enjoyment of your performance
autosound system.
The Epicenter Plus is for audio enthusiasts who want to use their factory-installed
source units so it is equipped with AudioControl’s high-impedance, speaker-level
inputs. Additionally, an auxiliary input allows users of factory-installed radios and
portable audio players (like iPods™) to also appreciate the performance of its bass
restoration circuitry.
We are sure that by now the thought of adding The Epicenter Plus to your perfor-
mance autosound system is probably making you salivate. However, we strongly
encourage you to take a few minutes to sit back, grab a beverage of your choice
and read through this manual. Although many autosound enthusiasts feel reading
an “owner’s manual” is only for novices, this particular manual may save you some
phone calls during the installation process. It also contains lots of useful facts and
information (and besides, we spent a lot of time writing it)!!
Key Features Of The Epicenter Plus
Here are a few key features that you will nd in The Epicenter Plus:
• Patented Bass Restoration Circuitry
• Speaker-Level Inputs for Integration with Factory Audio Systems
• Auxiliary Input for iPod’s, MP3 players or Satellite radio tuners
• GTO™ Signal Sensing Inputs for Automatic Turn-on
• Bass Maximization Circuitry
• 12 volt trigger output
• Dash mount control
• PFM Subsonic Filter
• Balanced Pre-amp inputs
What all this means is more bass and better bass from your performance audio
system. Enjoy the ride…
22410 70th Avenue West • Mountlake Terrace, WA 98043 USA
Phone 425-775-8461 • Fax 425-778-3166 • www.audiocontrol.com
®
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Features and Highlights
Patented Bass Restoration Circuitry
The Epicenter Plus contains AudioControl’s patented (#4,698,842) bass
restoration circuit that recreates and injects low frequency information back into
the signal path. What that means in everyday terms is that The Epicenter Plus
will give dramatically more bass impact in your music regardless of whether
your choice of format is compact discs, MP3, AAC, WAV, AIFF, AU, FKAC,
TTA,WMA or good ol’ tapes. For more on this unique process, see page 8.
Auxiliary Input
Since many car audio enthusiasts are multi-tasking listeners who want to use
secondary sources like iPods, MP3 players, and satellite radios, The Epicenter
Plus provides an auxiliary audio input for these devices. If you use this func-
tion, you will need to use a source that has its own volume control. The Auxilia-
ry input is easily activated by tapping the dash control knob. You will be happy
to know that The Epicenter Plus has a cool blue LED indicator that will light
when the Auxiliary input is activated.
Speaker-Level Inputs
If you are like many people who enjoy the look and features of your factory-
installed source unit but feel your system is lacking in power and bass, we have
good news. The Epicenter Plus has high-impedance speaker-level inputs that al-
low it to accept amplied signals from all known factory-installed systems (even
Bose) and output a high-quality pre-amp signal via standard RCA connectors.
This will allow you to add better-quality aftermarket ampliers, processors and
speakers while keeping the convenience features of your factory-installed source
unit. Unlike inexpensive speaker-level and line-output converters, The Epicenter
Plus offers the highest sound quality and can handle the full signal strength of a
400-watt per channel amplier.
GTO™ Signal-Sensing Inputs
Most factory-installed source units lack the features that make it easy to
upgrade with really good-sounding, performance aftermarket products. One
of those key features is a 12-volt trigger that will “turn-on” devices like The
Epicenter Plus and your external ampliers. Therefore, we have equipped the
speaker level inputs of The Epicenter Plus with our unique GTO™ (Great Turn
On) signal-sensing inputs. Once the GTO inputs of The Epicenter Plus detects a
signal, it powers up. When the signal goes away, The Epicenter
Plus will automatically turn off. Optionally, The Epicenter Plus is
also equipped with a standard 12-volt trigger (Remote In) that will
allow you to turn on The Epicenter Plus in the traditional man-
ner when you are using the pre-amp inputs.
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12-Volt Output Trigger
Since you will be using an external amplier(s) and processor in your system,
you will need the ability to “trigger” or turn-on these devices (a romantic dinner
won’t quite work here). The Epicenter Plus has a high-current 12-volt output
(labeled “Remote Out”) that will provide a trigger to these remote devices, when
The Epicenter Plus is powered up. Please note that this output is not to be used
as the main power for these devices.
Dash Mount Control For Source Selection and Bass Restoration
The Epicenter Plus is designed to be mounted anywhere in the vehicle, with
the exception of the radiator or front bumper. It comes with a dash-mountable
control that allows you to enjoy the bass-restoration effects of The Epicenter
Plus without having to leave the driver’s seat. Additionally, by just tapping the
switch, you can select between the main inputs (Pre-amp/speaker level) and the
auxiliary input. The LED turns cool blue when the auxiliary input is engaged.
PFM Subsonic Filter
This unique feature is legendary with many AudioControl fanatics for its
ability to ne tune the bass response of any system. Why waste power on nasty
subsonic information when your Programmable Frequency Match (PFM) lter
can help you clean things up?
Bass Maximization Circuitry
The Epicenter Plus circuitry has the ability to produce large amounts of deep,
mind shattering bass without damaging your speakers. The Bass Maximization
circuit allows The Epicenter Plus to maximize the bass output of any autosound
audio system while restraining destructive bursts. If your are a speaker, this is a
good thing.
Five Year Warranty
The most important feature of all. Every AudioControl prod-
uct is selessly designed and manufactured by the occupants
of our rainforest factory. We take every effort to
ensure that you will have many years of enjoy-
ment out of The Epicenter Plus. To further
ensure the performance of your new toy, we
highly recommend that you allow your authorized Au-
dioControl dealer to perform the installation. Not only do they have
all the right knowledge and tools, but in the unlikely chance The Epicenter
Plus should fail, we back it with a limited ve year 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, you need to FILL OUT AND
SEND IN YOUR WARRANTY CARD!
We also recommend that you save your invoice or sales slip as proof of
installation and ownership. Not only is it necessary for warranty purposes, but
should The Epicenter Plus turn up missing some day while you are out watching
submarine races, you will nd insurance companies very unforgiving.
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Figure 1: Basic Installation Of The Epicenter Plus
Quick Install Information
Integration With A Factory Installed Audio System
We interrupt your reading of this manual to provide the impatient people with
“Quick Install” information and guidelines. No matter how much more of this
manual you read, denitely look at the system drawings on page 10. Not only
will they help with system design, but if you look at them backwards you may
nd a hidden message (NOT!).
As you have probably gured out by now, The Epicenter Plus needs to be
installed in the signal path between a source and an external amplier(s). If your
factory installed audio system has an amplier, then use the speaker wires after
the factory amplier to feed a signal into The Epicenter Plus.
The Epicenter Plus also works the best when it receives a full range signal. If
you feel your bass response is somewhat lackluster, then the frequency response
of the signal you are feeding The Epicenter Plus may be too low. Try nding a
full range signal or use an AudioControl LC6i to sum the signals together.
Once this is done, you just need to hook up power, ground, trigger, run the
wire to the dash remote and tada!!! Instant bass. If you need to know more,
then read on. Heck if you don’t think you need to know more, you should still
read on, because you can never know too much.
We now return you to your normal owner’s manual…
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Figure 2: The Epicenter Plus top cover
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A GUIDED TOUR OF The Epicenter Plus
The Outside
1. 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. To activate this input, you need to tap the dash control and The
Epicenter Plus will switch between the main inputs and this auxiliary input. The
LED indicator above the “Aux Input” will identify when this input is being used.
2. Speaker-level Inputs: If you would like to use The Epicenter Plus with a
factory-installed source you will be happy to know that it is equipped with Au-
dioControl’s high impedance speaker-level inputs. These inputs should get their
signals from the full-range speaker-level outputs of your factory-installed source
unit or amplier. If your source unit has front, rear, and subwoofer speaker-level
outputs, then you may need to use an AudioControl LC6i, LC7 or LC8 to sum
these signals together.
3. Audio Pre-Amp Inputs: The pre-amp inputs of The Epicenter Plus use a
balanced input circuit to help minimize induced noise. They are also designed
to handle very high signal voltages up to 15 volts!! When these inputs are
activated, the “Main Inputs” LED will be Red. When using these inputs you will
want to provide The Epicenter Plus with a full range signal.
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4. Pre-Amp Outputs: These RCA connectors should be connected to the
next component after The Epicenter Plus, such as a crossover, equalizer, or
amplier.
5. Restoration Level Control/Source Selector: This knob allows you to in-
crease or decrease the bass restoration of The Epicenter Plus. Additionally, tap-
ping the knob will toggle between sources. You can mount the knob anywhere
you want, although somewhere in the front of the vehicle is preferable.
6. Remote Out: Outputs 12 volts when the The Epicenter Plus is powered up
so you can turn on external devices like signal processors and external ampliers
or relays if necessary. Do not use for system power!!
7. Remote In: Allows The Epicenter Plus to be turned on remotely with a 12-
volt signal.
8. +12 Volt: Connect to a good source of power (the battery comes to mind).
9. Ground: Connect to a good, veried chassis ground (once again, the bat-
tery comes to mind.) Warning: Factory ground wires typically already have
multiple devices connected to them and are not recommended.
The Inside
RCA Input Grounding: Depending upon the wiring topology of your audio
system, some components may look for an “audio” ground through the RCA
connectors or speaker wires. In this case your system may encounter engine
noise whine. For most systems you can leave this jumper set in the UNBAL-
ANCED position. In the event you need additional noise rejection you can
change the jumpers to the BALANCED position.
Ground Isolation Jumpers: Occasionally alternator whine may appear in a
system because the source unit and amplier use different grounding. To help in
this situation, we have provided alternative grounding connections. Make sure
your system is turned OFF before you move these jumpers.
Bass Maximization Circuit: Not all systems are designed the same. Some
systems are designed strictly for SPL (sound pressure level) while others are
a little more passive. The Bass Maximization circuit can either increase or
decrease the mix signal voltage of the bass restoration circuit. Depending upon
your system, you may opt to change these jumpers to a higher or lower setting to
maximize your bass output and protect your speakers. In most systems the fac-
tory setting will suit you ne. We recommend you try the factory setting rst.
PFM Subsonic Filter: The Epicenter Plus utilizes a PFM (Programmable
Frequency Match) lter which will help with speaker control and amplier
power management. To change the PFM frequency, you need to remove the top
of the chassis and change the modules. Your local AudioControl dealer gener-
ally carries an assortment of these replacement modules. This is discussed in
detail on page 10. Once again, we recommend you try the factory setting rst.
page 7
Figure 3: Inside view of The Epicenter Plus
Factory Setting Shipped Options
Bass Maximization Voltage 5 volts 5 or 7.5 volts
Input Circuit Unbalanced Balanced
Ground Isolation Isolated 200 ohm or Ground
PFM Subsonic Filter 33Hz 20Hz, 25Hz, 30Hz,
35Hz, 40Hz, 45Hz
Optional PFM modules are
sold separately.
Choice of beverage Micro-brew Latté
Note: These congurations can be changed by moving jumpers, or changing
modules.
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The Magic Of The Epicenter Bass Restoration Technology
You may ask yourself, “Why would I need to restore bass? Where did it go?
Who took it and more importantly, “How do I get it back?”. The truth is that
when music is recorded in a studio, low frequency information can be “mixed”
down or ltered out. It’s not that recording engineers are out to get you; in fact
they are looking out for your best interests and are concerned that many speaker
systems cannot handle “truly” low bass information.
Portable Audio Owners Rejoice!
If you use a portable audio player like an iPod or other MP3 player then
you will really love the Bass Restoration characteristics of The Epicenter Plus.
When you download songs and rip or “compress” them, you may notice that
your bass sounds rather thin, even on tiny ear buds. That’s because when you
are removing “bits” and ripping songs into smaller les, the bass response ends
up suffering.
The unique bass restoration circuit inside The Epicenter Plus looks at the low
frequency harmonics that are in upper frequencies and uses them to recreate the
lower bass notes that have been rolled off or removed. We could tell you more
but what really matters is that The Epicenter Plus technology gives you deep,
body shuddering, heart-stopping bass.
Figure 4: Bass Restoration Process
Installing The Epicenter Plus
Up to this point everything you have read has served to educate you on the
operations of The Epicenter Plus. We are sure that you are chomping at the bit
to install The Epicenter Plus so we recommend you read the following sections
very carefully.
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Placement & Mounting of The Epicenter Plus
The Epicenter Plus 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 pre-amp outputs or speaker wires from the source unit or its
amplier(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. Before doing
anything else, make sure you are not about to drill a hole in a gas tank or pierce
any existing wiring. Nothing ruins your day more than an expensive repair bill.
Drill a few small pilot holes and secure the chassis of the The Epicenter Plus
with self-tapping screws. If it is possible, for maximum ground isolation you
should try and avoid mounting The Epicenter Plus to metal.
The Epicenter Plus Power Wiring
WARNING: Failure to disconnect the negative terminal of your battery prior
to the installation of The Epicenter Plus can result in a warm tingly feeling.
(+12V) Positive Connection: Insert a 12 to 18 gauge wire into the connec-
tor labeled “+12” on the nifty connector of The Epicenter Plus. Connect it to a
good constant source of 12 volts (we suggest the battery), fused at 2 amps.
Ground Connection: Use the same gauge wire or larger as you did for the
positive connector and run it from the “Ground” connector on your The Epicen-
ter Plus to the negative terminal of the battery, a ground bus, or a veried ground
location. The factory head unit ground is not a good ground!
Remote In: As we previously mentioned, The Epicenter Plus is equipped with
AudioControl GTO™ signal sensing which allows it to turn on when it detects
a signal at the Main speaker-level inputs so you may not need to use the “Re-
mote In” feature. If you do, connect a 22 to 18 gauge wire from the source unit’s
remote turn-on or other trigger to the Remote connector on The Epicenter Plus.
Remote Out: If you are going to use the The Epicenter Plus to turn on any
external signal processors or ampliers, connect an 18 to 22 gauge wire from the
Remote Out on the The Epicenter Plus to the remote turn-on of the processors
or ampliers. Depending upon how many other components you are turning
on, you may need to connect this wire to a relay and route 12 volts from another
source.
Once the electrical connections are complete, you will want to reconnect the
negative terminal to your battery, however continue to act positively.
The Epicenter Plus Audio Wiring
The Epicenter Plus should be installed in the signal path after your factory
source unit or amplier but denitely before your aftermarket ampliers and/or
any signal processors. You may already have guessed there are numerous ways
to congure The Epicenter Plus in your audio system so we recommend you
spend a little quality time planning out your system and even sketching it out on
paper. There are some examples on the next pages.
page 10
System Diagrams
Figure 5: Two channel system with equalizer and crossover
Figure 6: Four channel system with crossover
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