Audio Control MATRIX Owner's Manual
FEATURES AND HIGHLIGHTS
High-Voltage Line Driver
The Matrix is a pre-amp line driver that takes the input signal from up
to three source units, increases it (up to 13 volts peak) and then delivers it
downstream. No more low signal output voltages to allow noise into the
rest of your performance car audio system.
Six Channel Inputs & Outputs
The Matrix was designed for ultimate pre-amp flexibility. With that in
mind we have provided six channels for input and six for output! For even
more flexibility, the Matrix inputs can be linked internally whereby two
input channels can feed two, four, or six output channels.
Balanced Inputs
The Matrix features balanced differential input circuit that rejects noise
that radiates into the signal path between the source unit and your Matrix.
Even better, this circuit uses standard RCA connectors.
Anti-Oscillation Output Circuitry
Driving long lengths of cable can present a nasty capacitive load to the
source that has to drive them. This capacitance can cause instabilities,
which can lead to oscillations, radio interference and excessive system
hiss. The Matrix’s low-impedance, high-current output circuitry easily
handles long cable runs without their associated problems.
Output Voltage Indicators
Setting voltage levels for optimum signal-to-noise performance can be a
real pain - especially when you have to get out the old digital voltmeter
and find a way to make those probes stay put while you try to read the
dancing LCD display. With the Matrix’s voltage indicator LED’s, you can
say good-bye to that headache. Just turn the Matrix gain control until your
favorite light flickers and you’re done!
Selectable Ground Isolation
Avoiding ground loops and grounding-related noises are of paramount
importance in any installation. For this reason we have provided a
flexible scheme of isolating signal grounds and power grounds.
Programmable Frequency Match (PFM) Subsonic Filter
Many car audio systems truly push the limits of their
subwoofer...without really knowing it. Tuned enclosures affect the roll-
off of many speakers, yet lots of source material force the speakers to
play lower than expected. The net result is wasted amplifier power and
damaged speakers. The AudioControl PFM (Programmable Frequency
Match) filter is a programmable subsonic filter. It allows you to only let
the speaker play as low as it should be playing. Because every system is
different, we allow you to change the PFM roll-off frequency to whatever
you choose.
The Most Important Feature Of All: Reliability.
That’s right, your AudioControl Matrix comes with a full 5 year parts
and labor warranty when it is installed by an authorized United States
AudioControl dealer. These seasoned pros have the training and the
equipment to take care of the job quickly and not leave your installation
looking like some of those things in the back of the refrigerator. Keep in
mind that if you or your friends who are “good with electronics” choose
to install it yourselves, your Matrix still has a 1-year parts and labor
warranty.
To activate your warranty, you need to FILL OUT AND SEND IN
YOUR WARRANTY CARD! Also, save your invoice or sales slip as
proof of purchase. Not only are these necessary for warranty purposes,
they are also important if the unforeseen disappearance of your Matrix
should happen while you are socializing at the local espresso and salmon
bar. Insurance companies have very little imagination.
A GUIDED TOUR OF THE MATRIX
The Outside
The Outside
The Outside
The Outside
The Outside
1. Inputs: The Matrix will accept up to six channels of input signal
which means it will work with source units that have six channels of
output or it will accommodate three two-channel source units as in the
case of multi-media. All of the inputs utilize a balanced differential
input circuit, which can cancel noise that radiates into the signal path.
2. Input Level Control: These cool little knobs can increase or
decrease the amount of signal sent downstream to your signal processors
or amplifiers. With this control you can get up to 24 dB of gain(13 volts
peak) or 12 dB of cut to maximize the amount of signal sent to your
signal processors or amplifiers inputs. Before you start to crank them all
of the way up, remember this: Most amplifiers can’t handle input
voltages over 3 volts without clipping. If in doubt, check with the
amplifier manufacturer.
3. Outputs: The Matrix has six channels of low impedance output,
which helps when you desire more output because you have too much
input. Huh? What we mean is each pair of outputs on your Matrix has
the strength and ability to drive more than just one amplifier. In fact, you
can usually drive up to 7 amplifiers off of each pair of outputs, which
means you have the possibility of driving 21 stereo amplifiers or even 42
mono amplifiers! Wow!
4. Power: If you see this one lighted, pat yourself on the back for
properly connecting the power terminal.
5. Overload: When these lights flicker while music is playing, you’re
pushing the limit - nearing the redline - entering the danger zone. Try
backing off on the Gain Control until it stops flickering.
P/N 9130580
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making good stereo sound better
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Concert Series
Six Channel Line Driver
Owner’s Enjoyment
Manual
Congratulations!
You have just purchased a high-performance autosound product; the
AudioControl Matrix six channel line driver. The Matrix allows you to
utilize every last bit of performance and sound quality that you’ve always
strived for from your vehicle’s sound system. So find a nice dry spot (we
can’t recommend any near us), take a load off and spend a few moments
reviewing this Enjoyment Manual for the Matrix line driver.
Features of the Matrix:
• High signal voltage capability:
13 volts peak output
• 24 dB of gain
• Six channels of input and output
• Balanced differential inputs
• Low-impedance outputs
• PFM Subsonic filter
• Output level controls
• Ultra-low distortion, ultra-quiet
operation
• Selectable ground isolation
• Optimum voltage indicator LED’s
22410 70th Avenue West • Mountlake Terrace, WA 98043
425-775-8461 • Fax 425-778-3166 • www.audiocontrol.com
®
MATRIX SPECIFICATIONS
All specifications are measured at 14.4 VDC (standard automotive voltage) As
technology advances, AudioControl reserves the right to continuously change our
specifications, like our weather.
Maximum input/output level ........................................ 9.5Vrms/13V peak
Frequency response ..................................................... 10Hz-100kHz;±1dB
Total harmonic distortion ................................................................ 0.005%
Signal to Noise ratio ......................................................................... -110dB
Inputs/Outputs ............................................................................... 2, 4, or 6
Input Impedance ........................................................................ 20 K Ohms
Output impedance ......................................................................... 50 Ohms
Output gain .................................................................... - 12 dB to + 24 dB
PFM Subsonic Filter .............................................. 33Hz/18 dB per octave
Power supply ...................... Transformer isolated PWM DC/DC converter
Power draw ....................................................................................... 150mA
Recommended fuse rating ................................................................. 1 Amp
Size .............................................................................. 8.5" x 6.25" x 1.15"
Weight .............................................................................................. 2.25 lbs
©2000, AudioControl, a division of Electronic Engineering and Manufacturing,
Inc. All rights reserved.
AudioControl, Making Good Stereo Sound Better, Performance Match, and Matrix
are all trademarks of Electronic Engineering and Manufacturing, Inc.
This literature was conceived, designed, and written under the protective canopy of
the lush, green, misty rain forest on a drizzly, gray overcast day at our home in the
Pacific Northwest.
6. 1, 2, & 5 Volt: These lights will tell you when the signal level is at
1 volt, 2 volts or 5 volts. You’ll most likely want at least the 2-volt light
to flicker, more if the rest of your components can handle it. Any
AudioControl component that you connect after the Matrix Line Driver
won’t mind the 5 volt light flickering. Go ahead. Light it up!
7. Power Connector: This convenient little connector allows you to
hook up all the power and turn-on wires for your Matrix Line Driver in
the convenience of a well-lighted area and then plug them in by feel all at
once in your trunk’s cavernous darkness. Screws on top of the connector
should face up. But if you put the plug in upside down, nothing will be
damaged, the Matrix just will not power up
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Outside View
The Inside
The Inside
The Inside
The Inside
The Inside
8. Balanced Input Selector: Located under the cover and behind the
Input connectors are jumpers that allow you to utilize or bypass the
balanced input circuitry. Although it is shipped in the balanced mode,
which is best, it may be necessary to change this depending upon the
configuration of the components you use. To change this, move the
appropriate jumper on the 3-pin header.
9. Ground Isolation Selector: This feature allows you to change the
power supply ground for different systems. When the Matrix is shipped
from the factory, the selector is in the fully isolated position(which is
generally the best.) Alas, not every manufacturer (or installer) devotes
much time into getting their grounds right. Therefore, we have provided
other ground isolation options to help if you have a ground loop noise
(alternator whine) in your system. Experiment with different settings if
you run into this type of problem. To change the settings, make sure you
turn the system off, carefully move the black jumper from the center two
pins(Isolated) and move it to either the top two pins(200 ohms) or the
bottom two pins(ground).
10. PFM Subsonic Filter: This nifty little plug-in module allows you
to change the low frequency output of the Channel 3 outputs of your
Matrix. When you link the Channel 1 and Channel 2 inputs to Channel
3, they will also utilize the PFM filtering.
11. Input Linking: If you are running a two channel system but wish
to connect to more than one amplifier, you can link the inputs from
“Channel 3”, to the outputs of “Channel 3”, “Channel 2” and “Channel
1”. Very cool! To change the signal configuration, remove the chassis top
and move the jumpers to the appropriate configuration.
Inside View
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Note: When removing and replacing chassis top be sure to align LED
and knob holes.