Orion Car Audio ORION MaxxBass User Manual

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MaxxBass  
CONGRATULATIONS  
Thank you for choosing Orion audio equipment. At Orion we proudly  
design, engineer and manufacture audio products for aftermarket car audio.  
Our award winning engineering team utilizes innovative technology to  
consistently deliver Absolutely State of the Art performance, sound quality,  
reliability, and value. This Orion product reflects our commitment to offer  
you unparalleled versatility and quality for years of dependable service and  
listening enjoyment.  
SERVICE  
Do not attempt to service Orion products yourself. Performing exploratory  
surgery on your audio equipment yourself will void the warranty. Many parts  
of your Orion gear are custom built to our specifications. Our factory parts  
are not made available to anyone else nor are they for sale. Our goal is to  
make sure that your Orion will always sound as good as the day it was  
purchased. Contact your authorized Orion dealer about obtaining any  
warranty service through Orion. (See Warranty on back cover).  
(Record listing for Model, Serial Number, and Purchase Date)  
Model  
_____________________  
_______________  
Serial Number  
Purchase Date  
_______________  
CAUTION  
The extended use of a high-powered audio system may result in hearing loss  
or damage. While Orion systems are capable of "Concert Level" volumes  
with incredible accuracy, they are also designed for you to enjoy more  
reasonable levels all of the sonic subtleties created by musicians. Please  
observe all local sound ordinances.  
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WHY USE MAXXBASS  
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Orion will introduce the first MaxxBass processor to the automotive  
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market. The MaxxBass processor is ideal for improving the perceived bass  
response in door mounted speakers without upgrading the speakers or  
amplifiers.  
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MaxxBass provides subwoofer like performance with perceived bass  
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response to 30-40Hz on door mounted speakers. The MaxxBass Processor is  
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recommended in two configurations. (Please see Wiring Configurations for  
more details.)  
1) Front Stereo Configuration  
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One MaxxBass Processor is used between the front channel source and front  
speaker amplifier to increase the bass response on only the front speakers.  
This is recommended to improve bass imaging in high performance systems  
with rear mounted subwoofers.  
2) Dual Stereo Configurations  
For systems without rear subwoofers, the user may prefer to use two  
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MaxxBass Processors, one for the front speakers and one for the rear  
speakers. Although not nearly as good bass performance as using a high  
performance subwoofer, this configuration will provide close to subwoofer  
like performance without the space requirements of a high performance  
subwoofer. This is a practical alternative for bass performance where a  
subwoofer system can not be added.  
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WHY IS MAXXBASS BETTER  
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MaxxBass is NOT a bass boost technology. Bass boost technologies try to  
compensate for lack of bass frequency range by equalizing or increasing the  
relative volume of the frequencies near the speaker limit.  
This increases amplifier and speaker excursion limits, which can  
damage the system at high levels.  
This destroys the intended frequency balance of music.  
MaxxBass uses psychoacoustics to extend the perceived bass frequency  
response.  
It is proven to provide up to 1.5 octaves of increased bass range.  
It does not change the frequency balance of the music and sounds  
more natural than large bass boosts.  
It does not require more amplifier power and speaker excursion.  
It has been proven over many years of use in professional audio  
recording.  
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WHAT IS MAXXBASS  
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MaxxBass is a patented technology, which extends the bass frequency range  
by allowing listeners to perceive bass frequencies more than an octave below  
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the physical limitations of speakers systems. In cars MaxxBass allows door  
mounted speakers that typically drop off below 70-100Hz to play down  
another octave or more.  
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This is accomplished using the science of psychoacoustics on how we perceive  
sound. By building audio systems optimized for how we hear sound,  
significant performance improvements can be obtained. This is analogous to  
designing and building televisions that only display red, green and blue dots.  
When we view these displays our visual perception combines these dots to  
make a full color spectrum without needing to reproduce all the necessary  
color frequencies.  
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Unlike other bass technologies MaxxBass delivers more perceived bass while  
simultaneously reducing the likelihood of damaging speakers and amplifiers.  
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MaxxBass also delivers this extended bass without any perceived distortion.  
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MaxxBass technology has been used for years in mastering most of the  
world's most popular music.  
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HOW DOES MAXXBASS WORK  
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MaxxBass uses advanced digital signal processing based on the proven  
psychoacoustic Phenomenon of the Missing Fundamental. A basic description  
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and a MaxxBass Signal Flow diagram are provided for interested users.  
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MaxxBass first implements a crossover at the MaxxBass Frequency. The  
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MaxxBass Processor allows the choice of 60Hz, generally suggested for 6-  
6.5" drivers, and 80Hz suggested for 4-5.25" woofer drivers.  
The low pass filter (LPF) output of the crossover extracts the bass signal which  
is below the bass frequency response of the system. This is the signal to be  
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reproduced psycho-acoustically and only this signal receives the MaxxBass  
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processing. It is significant to note that unlike bass boosts, MaxxBass does  
not add or change the processing of higher frequencies that can be  
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reproduced by the system. MaxxBass does not change the artist's sound mix.  
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MaxxBass uses a patented digital signal processing algorithm to calculate  
precise harmonic content information which is added back into the LPF  
signal. The combined LPF and harmonics output is high pass filtered, thus  
removing the original bass signal. The processed signal is then added back  
into the original HPF signal and the final output provides a signal that sounds  
like the original, but no longer has un-reproducible low frequencies.  
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MAXXBASS SIGNAL FLOW  
Cross-  
Input  
Output  
HPF  
Over  
+
60/80 Hz  
LPF  
LPF +  
Harmonics  
Input Signal Example  
MAXXBASS®  
HPF  
60/80 Hz  
Harmonics  
Processed Signal Example  
FEATURES  
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Selectable MaxxBass Frequency Setting of 60Hz and 80Hz  
Green LED clip/Red LED power indicator signal  
Gold 2 Channel in/2 channel buffered full-range out RCA  
connectors  
4-pin locking power plug  
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Input connector for outboard MaxxBass Intensity controller  
Remote and on-box intensity controls  
Intensity adjustment from 0 to full effect  
-18dB/octave high pass filter output at 60/80Hz  
Defeatable -24/dB octave low pass filter at 100Hz on the input  
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SPECIFICATIONS  
Frequency  
20hz-20kHz  
Signal-to-Noise Ratio  
>85dB  
Separation  
65dB @ 1kHz  
Crossover Slope  
Input Impedance  
Input Sensitivity  
Output Level  
24dB/octave  
20,000 Ohms  
variable, 300mV to 3V peak to peak  
variable, 300mV to 5V peak to peak  
9 to 16 VDC  
Supply Voltage  
INSTALLATION/MOUNTING  
NOTE: As an option, before beginning, disconnect the  
negative (-) terminal of the battery to prevent an electrical  
short to ground. Reconnect the negative terminal only after  
all connections have been made.  
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To prevent damage to the MaxxBass Processor while driving, mount in a  
secure place. Choosing the appropriate location will depend upon your  
vehicle and the complexity of your system design. Typical mounting locations  
include the trunk and passenger compartment (floor or under seat). Never  
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mount the MaxxBass Processor in a location that would subject it to  
immersion or exposure to water.  
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Once a location has been chosen, securely mount the MaxxBass Processor  
with the four mounting screws. Be Careful! Inspect the area underneath to  
be sure you are not drilling into wires, brake or fuel lines, etc. that could be  
damaged by the drill bits or screws.  
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MAXXBASS OUTLINE AND DIMENSIONS  
5.90in  
(15cm)  
5.51in  
(14cm)  
INTENSITY  
MIN MAX  
OUTPUT  
INPUT  
POWER CLIP  
MIN MAX  
MIN MAX  
4.53in  
(11.5cm)  
2.48in  
(6.3cm)  
80Hz  
60Hz  
ON  
OFF  
FREQUENCY CROSSOVER  
GND REM +12V REM OUT  
1.18in  
(3cm)  
INPUT  
REMOTE  
OUTPUT  
POWER  
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WIRING CONFIGURATIONS  
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The MaxxBass Processor is recommended in two different configurations.  
1. Front Stereo Configuration  
The figure below illustrates the wiring for a front stereo configuration. One  
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MaxxBass Processor is used between the front channel source and front  
speaker amplifier to increase the bass response only on the front speakers.  
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Implementing MaxxBass on the front speakers will increase the perceived  
bass response of these speakers down to 30-40Hz providing a Virtual  
Subwoofer. The listener will achieve better bass balance and imaging with a  
rear mounted subwoofer or trunk mounted speakers with sufficient bass  
response.  
Front speakers  
In-dash  
CD Receiver  
with Virtual  
RF  
LF  
SubwooferTM  
Front  
Rear  
Maxx  
Bass®  
LR  
RR  
Subwoofer  
Power  
Amplifiers  
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2. Dual Stereo Configurations  
For systems without rear subwoofers, the user may prefer to use two  
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MaxxBass Processors, one for the front speakers and one for the rear  
speakers. The units should be wired between the in-dash CD Receiver and the  
power amplifiers as shown below.  
Front speakers  
In-dash  
with Virtual  
LF  
RF  
CD Receiver  
SubwooferTM  
Front  
Rear  
Rear speakers  
with Virtual  
Maxx  
Bass®  
Maxx  
Bass®  
RF  
RR  
SubwooferTM  
Power  
Amplifiers  
NOTE: As an option, before beginning, disconnect the  
negative (-) terminal of the battery to prevent an electrical  
short to ground. Reconnect the negative terminal only after  
all connections have been made.  
WIRING PROCEDURES  
The next step is to connect the Power, Ground, and Remote IN/OUT wires to  
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your MaxxBass Processor. The power wire should run from the mounting  
location through the vehicle to the battery or power distribution block.  
Avoid sharp corners, creases, and sharp body parts. When passing through  
any metal wall (i.e. firewall, etc.), a grommet must be used to prevent the  
wire from chafing and shorting to ground.  
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The ground wire should be of the same gauge wire as the power wire. As a  
rule of thumb, use as short length of wire as possible. Find a location near the  
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MaxxBass Processor that is metal ( the floor is ideal) and clean an area about  
the size of a quarter to bare metal. Drill a pilot hole in the middle of this area.  
Terminate the wire with a ring connector and attach it to the bare metal  
using a #8 sheet metal screw and washer (not supplied). We suggest crimping  
and/or soldering this connection. After the connection is complete, coat the  
area with silicone or some similar material to prevent rust from developing.  
Finally, the remote IN wire needs to connect to the "Amplifier Remote" lead  
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of the head unit. This wire supplies a 12 volt signal to the MaxxBass  
Processor when the main System is activated. The remote OUT wire is to be  
connected to the remote input of the source amplifier or to and "optional"  
relay to activate multiple amplifiers. Once you have routed the power,  
ground, and remote wires through the vehicle, it is time to connect the wires  
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to the MaxxBass Processor. Be sure that you have not reconnected the  
ground cable to the negative post of the battery.  
NOTE: Refer to the diagram of the system shown in  
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MaxxBass Outline and Dimensions for connection points.  
Cut off the excess wire and, using the wire strippers, strip the power, ground  
and remote cables about 1/8 inch. Locate the power, ground, and remote  
IN/OUT wires of the power plug (supplied). We again, suggest crimping and  
or soldering each connection separately to insure no damage to the unit or  
the audio system. Check that each connection is tight. If the wires are secure,  
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the plug may be inserted into the MaxxBass Processor.  
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INPUT  
To use Speaker Level Inputs (common ground head units only), connect RCA  
plugs to the front or rear speaker leads as shown.  
NOTE: It is important to connect an input signal to both RCA  
input jacks if a stereo amplifier is used, otherwise the  
connected channel receives full range and the disconnected  
channel will receive only the harmonics. Use a RCA female to  
dual male “Y” cord if mono input is used.  
Front speakers  
In-dash  
CD Receiver  
with Virtual  
RF  
LF  
SubwooferTM  
Front  
Rear  
Maxx  
Bass®  
LR  
RR  
Subwoofer  
Power  
Amplifiers  
WARNING: If you are using a source unit with bridged high  
powered (or "floating ground") speaker outputs, a suitable  
high to low level adapter must be used. If you are unsure  
about your head unit see your local Orion dealer.  
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MAXXBASS PROCESSOR SETTINGS  
To achieve proper performance it is important to set or tune the settings on  
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the MaxxBass Processor to the final system. This section recommends initial  
settings and the users can then further adjust these for optimal listening.  
1. CROSSOVER: The CROSSOVER control implements a -24dB/octave low  
pass filter on the input. Set the CROSSOVER control to OFF if the amplifier  
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and speakers after the MaxxBass Processor are full range speakers or if  
passive crossovers are used in the speakers. Set the CROSSOVER control to  
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ON, if the MaxxBass Processor is only used on a woofer channel and  
separate amplifiers and speakers are provided for tweeters.  
2. FREQUENCY: The FREQUENCY control should be set to 60Hz for 6.5 inch  
door speakers and 80Hz for 5.25 to 4.0 inch door speakers.  
3. INPUT: The INPUT control is a signal attenuator for high voltage inputs.  
The CLIP LED can be used to help set the maximum input level setting prior  
to clipping. Start with INPUT control near MIN position and increase INPUT  
level until the Clip LED lights occasionally.  
4. OUTPUT: The OUTPUT control provides a linear gain on the output to help  
match signal levels to power amplifiers. Start with OUTPUT control near MIN  
position and adjust accordingly to match levels with other system  
components.  
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5. INTENSITY: The INTENSITY control provides an input to the MaxxBass  
algorithm on the level of the effect. Start with INTENSITY near MIN position  
and increase until the desired level of bass effect is obtained.  
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The INTENSITY control on the MaxxBass Processor and Remote Unit have  
identical functionality. At the MIN position on the INTENSITY control, the  
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MaxxBass algorithm is in bypass, so that no MaxxBass processing occurs.  
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When the Remote INTENSITY control is plugged into the MaxxBass  
Processor, the Remote INTENSITY control become active and the INTENSITY  
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control on the MaxxBass Processor is disabled. This allows the user to install  
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a remote control in a location different than the MaxxBass Processor and  
place in a more convenient position for the listener such as underneath the  
dashboard or in the glove compartment.  
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The INTENSITY control on the MaxxBass Processor system is only active  
when the Remote INTENSITY control is not plugged in. This control is  
provided for users, who do not wish to use the Remote INTENSITY control.  
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TROUBLESHOOTING  
NO SOUND  
Is the POWER LED lit?  
YES  
NO  
Check Input cables for signal by  
Connecting them straight to the  
Subwoofer amplifier.  
Check power and remote  
turn-on wire for voltage.  
Make sure the ground wire is  
Secure.  
ANY SOUND NOW?  
YES  
NO  
Problem is in the Crossover.  
See your local Authorized  
Orion Dealer.  
Problem is elsewhere in the  
system. Check head Unit and  
amplifiers.  
SOUND IN ONE CHANNEL ONLY  
Reverse left and right RCA outputs for one band (i.e.-subwoofers)  
SOUND IS NOW IN  
OPPOSITE CHANNEL  
Reverse RCA inputs  
SAME CHANNEL  
Problem is in the amplifier,  
Speakers, or associated  
wiring of the silent channel.  
SOUND IS NOW IN  
13  
OPPOSITE CHANNEL  
Reverse RCAs to head unit  
(Check Balance Control)  
SAME CHANNEL  
Problem is in the Crossover.  
See your local Authorized  
Orion dealer.  
SOUND IS NOW IN  
OPPOSITE CHANNEL  
Problem is in the head unit.  
SAME CHANNEL  
Problem is in the RCA cables.  
LOW OUTPUT FROM ONE BAND  
Check crossover frequencies and check gain control on the effected  
amplifier(s).  
STILL LOW OUTPUT - See your local Authorized Orion dealer.  
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15  
Warranty  
LIMITED TWO YEAR CONSUMER WARRANTY:  
Directed Electronics, Inc. promises to the original purchaser, to replace this product should it prove  
to be defective in workmanship or material under normal use, for a period of two years from the  
date of purchase by the dealer as indicated by the date code marking of the product PROVIDED  
the product was installed by an authorized Directed dealer. During this two year period, there will  
be no charge for this replacement PROVIDED the unit is returned to Directed, shipping pre-paid.  
If the unit is installed by anyone other than an authorized Directed dealer, the warranty period will  
be 1 year from date of purchase by the dealer as indicated by the date code marking of the  
product. During this 1 year period, there will be no charge for this replacement PROVIDED the  
unit is returned to Directed, shipping pre-paid. This warranty is non-transferable and does not  
apply to any unit that has been modified or used in a manner contrary to its intended purpose,  
and does not cover damage to the unit caused by installation or removal of the unit. This warranty  
is void if the product has been damaged by accident or unreasonable use, neglect, improper service  
or other causes not arising out of defects in materials or construction. ALL WARRANTIES  
INCLUDING BUT NOT LIMITED TO EXPRESS WARRANTY, IMPLIED WARRANTY, WARRANTY  
OF MERCHANTABILITY, FITNESS FOR PARTICULAR PURPOSE, AND WARRANTY OF NON-  
INFRINGEMENT OF INTELLECTUAL PROPERTY ARE EXPRESSLY EXCLUDED TO THE  
MAXIMUM EXTENT ALLOWED BY LAW, AND DIRECTED NEITHER ASSUMES NOR  
AUTHORIZES ANY PERSON TO ASSUME FOR IT ANY LIABILITY IN CONNECTION WITH THE  
SALE OF THE PRODUCT. DIRECTED HAS ABSOLUTELY NO LIABILITY FOR ANY AND ALL ACTS  
OF THIRD PARTIES INCLUDING ITS AUTHORIZED DEALERS OR INSTALLERS. Unit must be  
returned to Directed, postage pre-paid, with: consumer's name, telephone number, and address,  
authorized dealer's name and address, and product description. IN ORDER FOR THIS WARRANTY  
TO BE VALID, YOUR UNIT MUST BE SHIPPED WITH PROOF OF INSTALLATION BY AN  
AUTHORIZED DIRECTED DEALER. ALL UNITS RECEIVED BY DIRECTED FOR WARRANTY  
REPAIR WITHOUT PROOF OF DIRECTED DEALER INSTALLATION WILL BE COVERED BY THE  
LIMITED 1 YEAR PARTS AND LABOR WARRANTY. Note: This warranty does not cover labor costs  
for the removal and reinstallation of the unit.  
BY PURCHASING THIS PRODUCT, THE CONSUMER AGREES AND CONSENTS THAT ALL  
DISPUTES BETWEEN THE CONSUMER AND DIRECTED SHALL BE RESOLVED IN ACCORDANCE  
WITH CALIFORNIA LAWS IN SAN DIEGO COUNTY, CALIFORNIA.  
© 2004 Directed Electronics, Inc. All rights reserved. G41705 01-04  

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