How
this
crossover
is
used
The Planet Audio EC20B 3-way elec-
tronic crossover
is
a high-fidelitysignal
processorthat allows you
to
custom-
ize
the
low
level
output
of
your
input
source (e.g., a car radio),
so
that the
signal can
be
applied to an amplifier
or
amplifiers as a part
of
a
2-way
or
3-way mobile audio system.
It is intended
for
use
in
a car audio
system which includes amplifiers
in
the signal path AFTER
the
crossover,
and provides Front, Rear and Sub-
woofer LOW LEVEL outputs via RCA
connectors.
Product
architecture
This crossover accepts the
low
level
(RCA type) input signal from the follow-
ing types
of
head unit outputs:
a)
2-channel (UR) only
b) Front (UR) and Rear
c)
Front (UR), Rear (UR) and Subwoofer
channel (mono)
d)
Front
(UR),
Rear (UR) and Subwoofer
channel (UR)
By making proper switch settings, any
of
these types
of
head unit outputs can .
be utilized asa signal source from which
the
EC20B can derive a few different
kinds
of
system configurations. Exam-
ples
of
these are shown
in
diagrams in
this manual.
EC20B User's
Manual·
page 2
Important
features
The EC20B incorporates several key fea-
tures which greatly expand the ways
in
which it can be used in a mobile audio
system.
Parallel
input
selection
The EC20B is optimized
for
head units
which provide outputs
for
Front (UR),
Rear (UR) and Subwoofer (UR) channels.
But
what ifyour head unit only provides
a single pair
of
stereo (UR) outputs?
By setting the Parallel Input selectorcon-
trol
to
OUT,
the signal applied to the Front
(UR) EC20B inputs will also be routed
to
the Rear channel. This eliminates theneed
for external y-adaptors, which can some-
times add noise
to
the system.
Now
you
can provide custom processing
to
the
Rear channel independent
of
the settings
you apply
to
the
front.
Front
channel
crossoverlnuftipHer
By providing a way for you
to
select a
frequency from either a MidS/Highs range
or
a Tweeter range
for
the Front channel
crossover, we give you the choice
to
use
this crossover
in
different applications. For
example, you can use the Front channel
as a stereo Tweeter channel by setting the
Crossover Frequency Multiplier
to
the high-
er 800Hz-8kHz range, and Rear channel
can serve as
the
Mids/Highs channel
--
for a
3-way
stereo system.
Or
you could
create a 4-channel system, with Front and
Rearchannels reproducing the MidS/Hlghs.
Subwoofer
input
mix
option
Many head units also lack a subwoofer
channel output.
In
this situation,
by
setting
the Sub Input control
to
MIX, the EC20B
sub channel controls will
be
delivered a
mix
of
L Front/Rear
to
the Subwoofer Left
Channel and a mix
of
the
R Front Rear
to
the
Subwoofer Right
channel
This elimi-
nates
the
need
for
external Y adaptors
and mixer devices.
Installation
Before installing your new PlanetAudio
crossover, please becomefamiliar with
all the information contained
in
this
manual.
Choosea mounting location where the
unit will not distract
or
otherwise
interfere with
the
driver's ability
to
control
the
vehicle.
Use only the installation parts and
hardware provided with the unit
to
ensure proper installation. Using other
parts can.cause malfunction and
possible damage
to
your Planet Audio
crossover.
Avoid installing the unit in a location
which
is
subject
to
high temperatures,
direct sunlight,
hot
airfrom such
sources as heaters
or
exhaust lines,
or
where it will be subject
to
contact
with dust, dirt, moisture
or
excessive
vibration.
Mounting
the
crossover
The EC20B is designed
to
be installed
securely
to
a flat surface
in
your
vehicle using the screws and washers
provided. Install the unitaccording
to
the
diagram below.
~~
/~
Spring
washer
Flat
washer
Turning on
the
power
Before powering
up
for
the first time:
1.
Carefully
check
all electrical and
audio connections.
2.
Set
all
level controls
to
theirminimum
positions.
3. Set all switches
to
the
settings
appropriate for your installation.
The
EC20B
has
intemaiON/OFF
circuitrywhich responds
to
fuming ON
or
OFF
the
headunit
of
yourcaraudio
system.
This
requires thatyourhead
unithave a remote tum-on lead
available
on
the
rear
panel
(which
·most
headunits
have).
With
this
convenientremotetum-onIoff
feature, you never
have
to
WOn)'
about
turning offthepower
to
theequalizer
when you shut
off
the audio system.
When you are confident
all
connections
have been made correctly:
1.
Power up your audio system by
turning on the head unit.
2.
Set the volume control on
the
head
unit
to
about 3/4 volume, and adjust
the input level control foreach channel
to
just below
the
level
of
distortion.
Further fine tuning
of
the
controls on
the EC20B and
the
input levels
of
the
connected amplifiers may
be
necessary
to
obtain satisfactory results.
If you are unsure about
how
to
fine-
tune
the
system, please consult with
your
Planet Audio dealer.
EC20B User's
Manual·
page 3
