Planet Audio EC10B 2-Way Electronic Crossover User Manual

Planet Audio EC10B 2-Way Electronic Crossover

INTRODUCTION

Congratulations on your purchase of a Planet Audio Crossover.
It has been designed, engineered and manufactured to bring you the highest level of performance and quality, and will afford you years of listening pleasure.
Thank you for making Planet Audio your choice for car audio entertainment!

HOW THIS CROSSOVER IS USED

The Planet Audio EC10B 2-way elec-tronic crossover is a high-fidelity signal processor that 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 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 low pass (for subwoof-ers) and high pass low level outputs (for full range, mids, mid-bass or tweeters) via RCA connectors.
This crossover accepts the input signal from a 2-channel input source, using either low level RCA outputs or high level (speaker) outputs from your head unit.

INPUT SOURCE SELECTION

The EC10B features both low level (RCA) inputs and high level (speaker level) inputs, enabling you to generate a two-way sys-tem from virtually any head unit you may own.
If your head unit has RCA Left and Right Channel outputs, you should choose these for your EC10B input source, since the quality of sound reproduction is best when using these.
However, if your head unit lacks RCA outputs, you can use the speaker outputs from the head unit as an input source for the EC10B. Simply follow the wiring dia-grams in this manual closely to make sure you get the best performance possible and avoid damaging your head unit.
NOTE: Do not connect both high level and low level inputs to the EC10B.

INSTALLATION

Before installing your new Planet Audio crossover, please become familiar with all the information contained in this manual.
Choose a 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 air from 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 EC10B is designed to be installed securely to a flat surface in your vehicle using the screws and washers provided. Install the unit according to the diagram below.

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 their minimum positions.
3. Set all switches to the settings appropriate for your installation.

The EC10B has internal ON/OFF circuitry which responds to turning ON or OFF the head unit of your car audio system. This requires that your head unit have a remote turn-on lead available on the rear panel (which most head units have).

With this convenient remote turn-on/off feature, you never have to worry about turning off the power to the equalizer 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 EC10B’s Speaker Input Gain controls for each channel to just below the level of distortion.

Further fine tuning of the controls on the EC10B 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.

INPUT, OUTPUT, REMOTE AND POWER CONNECTIONS

1. POWER LED

2. REMOTE LEVEL CONTROL CONNECTOR

3. LEFT/RIGHT LOW LEVEL (RCA) INPUTS
   If your head unit has low level (RCA) 2-channel outputs, connect the outputs of your head units to these connections.

4. LEFT/RIGHT HIGH LEVEL (Speaker) INPUTS
   If your head unit lacks low level (RCA) 2-channel outputs, connect the outputs of your head units to these connections.
   NOTE: Do not connect both high level and low level inputs to the EC10B.

5. LEFT AND RIGHT LOW PASS (Subwoofer) OUTPUTS

6. LEFT AND RIGHT HIGH PASS (Highs/Mids) OUTPUTS

7. +12V, GROUND AND REMOTE TURN-ON TERMINALS
   Use this control to select the highest frequency to be sent to the subwoofer channel. Choose a frequency between 50Hz and 250Hz.

8. FUSE CONNECTOR
   Use only fuse with 3A rating.

FRONT AND REAR CHANNEL CONTROLS

Low Pass (Subwoofer) Crossover Channel Controls:

1. OUTPUT LEVEL CONTROL
   Use this control to set the output level for the Low Pass (Subwoofer) Channel.

2. BASS BOOST LEVEL CONTROL
   Use this control to set the amount of Bass Boost which will added to this channel.

3. LOW PASS FREQUENCY CONTROL
   Use this control to set the highest frequency which will pass through the Low Pass (Subwoofer) Channel of your system.

4. OUTPUT MODE SELECTOR
   Use this switch to select either Mono or Stereo signal output to be delivered to the Low Pass (Subwoofer) outputs.

5. PHASE SELECTOR
   Use this switch to select the output phase of the Low Pass (Subwoofer) channel for the best time alignment and imaging.
   High Pass (Highs/Mids) Crossover Channel Controls:

6. OUTPUT LEVEL CONTROL
   Use this control to set the output level for the High Pass (Highs/Mids) Channel.

7. LOW PASS FREQUENCY CONTROL
   Use this control to set the lowest frequency which will pass through the High Pass (Highs/Mids) Channe of your system.
   Input Controls:

8. LEFT AND RIGHT HIGH LEVEL (SPEAKER) INPUT GAIN CONTROLS If you are using the high level inputs, use these controls to set the high input gain levels for each channel. For instructions on doing this, please see page 3 under section called “Turning on the power.”

Electrical and remote level controller connections

Using 16GA mininum wire connect the EC10B as follows:

1. Connect the shortest possible wire to a clean, unpainted chassis ground point. Connect this wire to the Ground connection of the EC10B.
2. Connect the +12V terminal directly to the vehicle battery, using a distribution block near the crossover, if desired. Be sure to install a 3A inline fuse within 18 inches of the battery terminal.
3. Connect the Remote terminal of the EC10B to the remote turn on lead from your head unit.

INPUT AND OUTPUT CONNECTIONS

Input and output connections vary depending on the system application. Examples are shown in system diagrams on the pages which follow in this manual. Always use high quality RCA cables for low level input and output connections.

System #1: 2 channel input/2-way system with low level inputs

Head unit input: 2 channel, low level (RCA) inputs

EC10B output: 2-way stereo system: Tweeter/Mids L/R channel

NOTE: Do not connect both high level and low level inputs to the EC10B.

System #2: 2 channel input/2-way system with high level inputs

Head unit input: 2 channel, high level (speaker) inputs

EC10B output: 2-way stereo system: Tweeter/Mids L/R channel

NOTE: Do not connect both high level and low level inputs to the EC10B.

TROUBLESHOOTING

If you experience operation or performance problems with this product, compare your installation with the electrical wiring diagram on the previous pages. If problems persist, read the following troubleshooting tips which may help eliminate the problems.

SPECIFICATIONS

• CROSSOVER CENTER FREQUENCY RANGES LOW PASS: 35-400Hz; HIGH PASS: 50-1.5kHz
• CROSSOVER SLOPE 12dB/octave
• BASS BOOST LEVEL ADJUSTMENT 0-+12dB
• SIGNAL-TO-NOISE RATIO 110dB
• THD 01%
• CHANNEL SEPARATION 80dB
• INPUT IMPEDANCE 20k Ohms (low level); 470 ohms (high level)
• OUTPUT IMPEDANCE 100 Ohms
• OUTPUT GAIN 1:2 (+6dB)
• POWER SUPPLY DC-to-DC switching type
• OUTPUT VOLTAGE 8V maximum
• DIMENSIONS (W X D X H) 4-1/4” x 7-1/14” x 1-1/8” (108 x 184 x 29mm)

FAQs

What is a 2 way crossover used for?****

A circuit that divides an audio signal into several frequency bands is known as a crossover. This enables distinct frequency bands of an amplifier’s output to be transmitted to many speakers rather than being supplied to just one.

Do I need a crossover for 2 way speakers?****

A crossover is necessary for 2 way, 3 way, and 4 way speakers. A Low Pass Filter or a crossover will be required if you install a subwoofer. They are frequently included in modern powered subwoofers together with an amplifier.

How do you wire a 2 way crossover?****

Your amp’s speaker wire is connected to the crossover’s input. The woofer is then connected to the woofer output, while the tweeter is connected to the tweeter output.

Can I use a crossover with powered speakers?****

When a speaker has an active crossover, you may utilize it to transmit the signal to different power amps inside the speaker. After being amplified, the signal in a passive speaker passes via the crossover, where some of the power dissipates and is never sent to the drivers.

Does a crossover need power?****

Since they are “active,” it means that they require power to operate. In contrast to active crossovers, passive crossovers (speaker) don’t need a power source to operate. They instead position themselves between the amplifier and the speakers, blocking off undesired frequencies. Speakers that are already incorporated into passive crossovers are common.

What is a good crossover frequency for 2-way speaker?****

The suggested crossover frequency for tweeters and 2-way speakers is 3.5 kHz (high pass, or high/low pass). For these speakers, anything less than this range will result in less than ideal results.

What is a 2 way crossover for speakers?****

Each speaker’s phase will be shifted by 90 degrees via a second order crossover, resulting in a 180 degree phase difference between the two speakers. As a result, at the crossover frequency, the two drives will be moving simultaneously in opposing directions.

What should crossover be set at?****

The THX standard and the most used crossover frequency is 80 Hz. 150–200 Hz: On-wall or tiny “satellite” speakers. 100–120 Hz for a small centre, surround, and bookshelf 80-100 Hz for a mid-sized centre, surround, and bookshelf

How do you avoid crossover distortion?****

Both transistors are typically biased at a level that is just slightly over cutoff to prevent crossover distortion. When there is no signal, the arrangement must be skewed slightly over the cut-off.

How long does it take to do a crossover?****

Crossover within the same agency is often possible in 72 hours.

How is crossover distortion measured?****

Activate your amplifier using a sine wave, then connect the output to channel 1 of a scope and the input of a THD analyzer. Connect the scope’s channel 2 to the THD analyzer output, turn off channel 1, and superimpose the waveforms. Crossover distortion can be seen as little “spikes” at zero-crossings.

What is crossover distortion and how does it occur?****

A form of distortion called crossover distortion results from switching between motors driving a load. Although it occasionally occurs in other kinds of circuits as well, it is most frequently encountered in complementary, or “push-pull,” Class-B amplifier stages.

What is the maximum crossover frequency?****

MORE in order to obtain a musical design with bass extension so low. So, we’ll make a mental note that the maximum Crossover Frequency setting is 100 Hz.

Can I use a crossover with an amplifier?****

The crossover should be connected to your amplifier using speaker wire or RCA wires (depending on your audio system and crossover device), exactly as a speaker would be. Before the speakers, the crossover should be the final piece of equipment in the chain.

Do I need a crossover for each speaker?****

A crossover is required for sound to be sent to the proper driver in any audio system, including the one in your automobile. High, midrange, and low frequencies should be sent to tweeters, woofers, and subs, accordingly. The inside of every full-range speaker is a crossover network.

Does a crossover improve sound quality?****

Using a speaker crossover in an audio system has a number of benefits. Clarity is the primary and most evident factor. More accurate sounds will result by separating the bass from the treble and transmitting those frequencies to three distinct speaker drivers with expertise in those frequencies.

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