MEMPHIS AUDIO MEMBX Digital Bass Expander Instruction Manual

MEMBER
DIGITAL BASS EXPANDER

Ready to Turn It Up? Read This First!

Memphis Audio built a 50+ year legacy in the audio industry engineering the highest quality products to produce the best possible listening experience for our fans and loyal supporters. To fully appreciate the products we recommend taking the time to read and follow the instructions in this manual. As always, we recommend all installations and services be performed by an authorized Memphis Audio dealer.

For optimal performance, Memphis recommends using only Memphis Connection accessories. Outfitting your system with properly sized Memphis Connection wire and accessories will dramatically boost your listening experience and increase the durability of your Memphis Audio products.
In a world of streaming compressed music, some low-end frequencies are lost in translation compromising your system’s ability to perform to its maximum potential. The MEMBX restores these lost frequencies returning your system to peak performance during playback. The MEMBX offers high and low-level inputs and a 9V output allowing you to integrate the piece with factory and aftermarket systems.

Features

Bass Driver: The MEMBX contains a bass driver circuit that accurately recreates and injects low-frequency information back into the signal path. This gives more bass impact to any audio saved in a compressed format. Bass Equalization Circuit: This features accurately contours the restored bass to your speaker system. Remote Control: A mountable remote is included allowing you to adjust the effects of the MEMBX remotely. The LED indicator grows brighter as you add more bass or dimmer when you decrease the amount of bass. Bass Maximizer Indicator: This indicator light on the MEMBX flashes when the bass maximization circuit is activated.

Specifications

Signal Connection

NOTE:
For signal connection, the output RCA connectors should be connected to the next component after the MEMBX such as a crossover, equalizer, or amplifier. Remember, the MEMBX should go inline before a crossover

Signal Connection Continued
PFM Subsonic Filter Control: Fine-tune the bass response of any system. Eliminate subsonic interference using this filter for enhanced clarity.
Bass Output Control: Throttle your bass up and down to produce deep clear bass. This control maximizes the bass output of any system while limiting destructive bursts preventing damage to your speakers.

Functions

OUTSIDE CONTROLS

1. Inputs: The inputs of the MEMBX use a balanced input circuit to minimize induced noise. They are also designed to handle very high signal voltages up to 15V

2. Outputs: These RCA connectors should be connected to the next component after the MEMBX such as a crossover, equalizer or amplifier. Remember, the MEMBX should go inline before a crossover

3. Remote Control 3A. PMF Subsonic Filter Control: Control the PMF subsonic filter to eliminate unwanted noise. This control allows you to set frequencies from 35Hz-80Hz. A setting of approximately 33Hz is typically used on most systems. If you want to protect your system more you can adjust the frequency higher. 3B. Bass Level Control: Adjust the level of the bass produced by your system.

4. Power Connector: Be sure to secure your connections to prevent shorts and damage to your MEMBX unit.

5. Para-Bass Connector: These knobs control the para-bass functions of the MEMBX. The SWEEP knob allows you to pick the center frequency that you want the MEMBX to maximize. The WIDE knob adjusts how wide of a frequency range the MEMBX will impact.

6. Bass Maximizer Indicator: These LED indicators flash when the bass maximization circuit is activated

7. Power ON LED: Notifies that power to the unit is present.
   Functions Continued
   INSIDE CONTROLS

8. Input Grounding: For most systems, you can leave this jumper set in the BALANCED position. In some systems, the source unit may look for ground through the RCA  connectors. If this is the case, you should change the jumpers to the UNBALANCED position.

9. Ground Isolation Jumpers: Occasionally alternator whine may appear in a system due to improper grounding. To help resolve this situation the MEMBX provides alternative grounding connections. Make sure your system is OFF before moving these jumpers.

10. Bass Output Control Jumpers: Not all systems are designed the same. Some systems are designed for massive SPL performance, others are more refined. The Bass  Maximizer can either increase or decrease the signal voltage of the Bass Restoration Circuit. Depending on your system, you may change these jumpers to a higher or lower setting to maximize your bass output and protect your speakers. In most systems, the factory settings are appropriate but feel free to adjust them to your preferred setting.

Electronic Connections & Wiring
Power Connection
B+ (12V) Connect to a car battery or another power source REMOTE: Connect to a remote activating (12VDC) wire of the car stereo or EQ GND: Connect a wire to car chassis for ground connection

Troubleshooting

If the unit does not turn on, and/or the power indicator LED is NOT illuminated, try this:

• Check and make sure the B+ and GND are not reversed
• Check that all power wires are properly connected and have the appropriate potential (11-16V)
• Check that the Fuse is intact.

If you experience high audible distortion or low output volume:

• Check that the input and output levels are set correctly. Input should match the source and output should match the sensitivity of the host.
•  Check the crossover settings. Make sure they are correct. For high “Q” systems, set the crossover half an octave above the desired point. For low “Q” systems set it 1  octave or more above the point.

If you experience whining or engine noise:

• Verify that the GND connection is secure and that the wire is not too thin or unnecessarily long.
• Check that the B+ wire is not too thin or unnecessarily long.
•  Change the power source. Try taking the power from a different point.

Installation

Install hardware in the following order:

1. Plain Washer
2. Spring Washer
3. Tapping Screw

800.489.2300
www.memphisaudio.com
122 Gayoso Ave.
Memphis, TN, USA
@MEMPHISCARAUDIOUSA
@MEMPHISAUDIO
DESIGNED AND DEVELOPED IN THE UNITED STATES, MEMPHIS, TENNESSEE, SINCE 1965

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