Audio Control MATRIX Owner's Manual page 2

Signal-To-Noise:
An Up and Coming Rock Group?
Your systems signal-to-noise (S/N) ratio is the measurement between your
audio signal level, which contains music, and your system's noise floor, which
contains hiss, pops, buzzes, and whines. If you are listening to your buddies
car audio systems and it has all of the above obnoxious sounds...even when
the music is playing, we call that LOW signal-to-noise. On the other hand if
you have your volume control cranked up and on quiet songs, and you hear
almost ZERO background noise, that is considered a HIGH signal-to-noise
ratio. Most serious sound-off competitors have high signal-to-noise ratios (at
least the ones that take home the trophies).
When you talk about signal-to-noise ratios, the higher the signal, the better.
Since you really can't reduce the noise floor, signal-to-noise ratio can be
readily improved by raising the signal level with a component like the Matrix.
What About High Voltage Head Units?
Many car audio head unit manufacturers are starting to pull their heads out
(a little pun) and realizing that they should provide head units with higher
signal voltage on the outputs. Not only will this increase a system's S/N, but
it will also allow you to drive your amplifiers more effectively. However,
since the output voltage on a source unit will rise and fall as the volume is
adjusted, low signal voltage will always be an issue.
Level Matching
Level Matching is about making sure you run just the right amount of
signal into an audio component. If you send too much, you'll experience the
not so joyous sound of clipping. At the same time, you want the highest
possible signal levels for best signal-to-noise ratio. Since all AudioControl
products are capable of high-voltage input and output, it is important that you
MATCH the input voltage of your components. Most crossovers and amplifi-
ers can handle up to about 2 volts before they clip. AudioControl signal
processors can all produce at least 7.5 volts RMS, and can accept anywhere
from 5 to 9 volts RMS. LED voltage indicators on many of our products make
it a snap to set levels! Look at Tech Note 1006 on our website at
www.audiocontrol.com for more information.
INSTALLING THE MATRIX
Up to this point everything you have read has served to educate you on the
operations of the Matrix. We are sure that you are chomping at the bit to
install the Matrix so we recommend you read the following sections very
carefully.
Placement: Depending upon your application the Matrix should be
installed in the signal path as close to your source unit as possible, but
definitely before any long cable runs.
Mounting: 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 small pilot hole and secure the
mounting tabs of the Matrix with self tapping screws.
Electrical Connections
WARNING: Failure to disconnect the negative terminal of your battery
prior to the installation of the Matrix can result in a warm tingly feeling.
Remote In: Connect a 22 to 18 gauge wire from the head-unit's remote
turn-on to the "Remote" connector on Matrix.
Positive (+12V) Connection: Insert an 18 gauge or larger wire into the
connector labeled "+12" on the nifty connector of your Matrix. Connect it to a
good constant source of 12 volts (we suggest the battery), fused at 1 amp.
Ground Connection: Use the same gauge wire as you did for the positive
connector and run it from the "Ground" connector on Matrix to the negative
terminal of the battery, a ground bus, or a verified ground location. The
factory head unit ground is not a good ground!
When the electrical connections are complete, you may reconnect the
negative terminal to your battery.
Car Theater - Level Matching
The individual gain adjustment controls of the Matrix ensures a
consistent volume level when switching between different A/V sources.
Six-channel Source Unit
Head units with separate front, rear and subwoofer outputs are easily
accommodated with the Matrix.
Maximum SPL System
The input channel linking feature allows the Matrix to receive a two
channel signal and produce six channels of output.
The WARRANTY
People are scared of warranties. Lots of fine print. Months of waiting
around and leaving messages in some strangers voice mail. Well, fear no
more, this warranty is designed to make you rave about us to your
friends. It's a warranty that looks out for you and helps you resist the
temptation to have your friend, "...who's good with electronics", try to
repair your AudioControl product. So go ahead, read this warranty, then
take a few days to enjoy your new Matrix before sending in the warranty
card and comments.
"Conditional" doesn't mean anything ominous. The Federal Trade
Commission tells all manufacturers to use the term to indicate that
certain conditions have to be met before they'll honor the warranty. If
you meet all of these conditions, we will warranty all materials and
workmanship on the Matrix for one year from the date you bought it (five
years if it is installed by an authorized United States AudioControl
dealer). We will fix or replace it, at our option, during that time.
Here are the conditional conditions:
1. You have to fill out the warranty card and send it to us within 15
days after purchasing the Matrix.
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. Your Matrix must have originally been purchased from an autho-
rized AudioControl dealer. You do not have to be the original owner, but
you do need a copy of the original sales slip.
4. You cannot let anybody who isn't: (A) the AudioControl factory or
(B) somebody authorized in writing by AudioControl to service your
Matrix. If anyone other than (A) or (B) messes with your Matrix, that
voids your warranty.
5. The warranty is also void if the serial number is altered or removed,
or if the Matrix has been used improperly. Now that sounds like a big
loophole, but here is all we mean by it.
Unwarranted abuse is: (A) physical damage (don't use the Matrix for
a car jack); (B) improper connections (120 volts into the power jack can
fry the poor thing); (C) sadistic things. This is the best mobile product
we know how to build, but if you mount it to the front bumper of your
car, something will go wrong.
6. If an authorized United States AudioControl dealer installs the
Matrix, the warranty is five years.
Assuming you conform to 1 through 6, and it really isn't all that hard
to do, we get the option of fixing your old unit or replacing it with a new
one.
Legalese Section
This is the only warranty given by AudioControl. This warranty gives
you specific legal rights that vary from state to state. Promises of how
well your Matrix will perform are not implied by this warranty. Other
than what we have covered in this warranty, we have no obligation,
express or implied. Also, we will not be obligated for direct or indirect
consequential damage to your system caused by hooking up the
AudioControl Matrix.
Failure to send in a properly completed warranty card negates any
service claims.