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Features
External Device Controls
Features
Overview: The Kenwood KDC-MP438U AM/FM CD receiver features
a detachable face, front auxiliary and USB input, three pairs of 2.5-volt preamp outputs, CD changer and
Satellite radio controls and built-in iPod operation, as well as MP3/WMA/AAC
playback. The unit also supports Bluetooth via an optional adapter sold
separately. In addition, the CD player comes with an IR wireless remote control. The unit's amplifier
is rated at 22 watts x 4 channel RMS and 50 watts x 4 channel peak.
Detachable Face:
The unit features a single front loading CD face that detaches from the chassis
to deter theft. The CD player comes supplied with a soft black fabric, draw
string face case to protect the detachable face when you have it off the
chassis.
AAC/MP3/WMA Playback: The KDC-MP438U can play MP3, WMA and
AAC files with ID3 tag information recorded on CD-R and CD-RW discs in ISO9660
Level 1/Level 2, Joliet, Romeo and Long file name formats. Each disc should have
a maximum of 8 directory levels, 50 folders, and 255 files per folder with a
maximum of 512 files and folders. During MP3/WMA/AAC playback, the unit displays
any recorded ID3 Tag (Ver.1 or 2) information. The headunit will display up to 30
characters.
Supreme Setting: When MP3, WMA or AAC files encoded at a low bit rate (less than 96 kbps, 44.1k, 48kHz) are
played, the Supreme Setting function restores their high frequencies so the
sound quality is closer to files encoded at a high bit rate. The processing is
optimized for the compression format and the bit rate used. When the Supreme
Setting is Off, the unit plays the original sound stored in the audio file.
AUX Input: The KDC-MP438U is
equipped with a front panel 3.5mm minijack auxiliary input for connecting
external portable audio devices such as an MP3 player or Tape walkman.
Auxiliary Display: The
KDC-MP438U allows you to select the source type displayed when using the
auxiliary input. You can choose from AUX, DVD, Portable, Game, Video or TV.
Dual Zone: The Dual Zone mode allows you to output the Main
source and the Auxiliary input separately for the front and rear channels. You
can select whether the auxiliary input will play in the front or the rear.
3-Sets of Preamp Outputs: The KDC-MP438U features front,
rear and subwoofer preamp outputs. The Subwoofer preamp output can be turned On
or Off and adjusted independently. The front and rear speaker preamp outputs are
balance and fade adjustable. The subwoofer preamp output is non-fading. The
front, rear and subwoofer preamp outputs are all fixed to the rear chassis of
the headunit.
Built-In Amp Setting: If you are using external amplifiers
to power all of your vehicle's speakers you can turn the unit's built-in
amplifier off to enhance the player's preamp output quality.
Front and Rear High-Pass Filter: The KDC-MP438U features an
independent High-Pass Crossover for the front and rear channels. You can adjust
the high-pass crossover from through, 80, 100, 120, 150, or 180Hz. The "Through"
selection is a full-range setting. This feature is very helpful when you have
smaller-type speakers in the front and larger-type speakers installed in the
rear of the vehicle.
Low-Pass Filter: The receiver features a built-in Low Pass
Filter control for the preamp-output when the Subwoofer Output is "on". You can
select from 60, 80, 120Hz or Through. The "Through" setting allows your external
amplifier's crossover network to do all the filtering for your subwoofer.
Subwoofer Level: Once you have switched the Subwoofer Output
to "on" you can independently control the subwoofer preamp output level from the
CD receiver. You select levels between -15 to +15.
Subwoofer Phase: You can adjust the phase of the subwoofer
output between 180-degrees (Reverse) or 0-degrees (Normal).
Rotary Volume Control: The CD
receiver uses a 7-way rotary volume control that increases and decreases the volume of
the stereo from 0 to 35. The rotary knob also controls other audio settings such
as Balance, Fader, Bass, Mid, Treble and preset EQ settings.
Speaker Settings: The Speaker
Setting function tailors the System Q Sound Control settings according to the
type of speakers in your vehicle. You may select a Speaker Setting of "SP Off"
(flat), "SP OEM" (for OEM factory speaker systems), "SP 6x9/6" (for systems with
6" and 6"x9" speakers), or "SP 5/4" (for systems with 4" and 5" speakers).
Note: The Speaker
Setting affects the bass, midrange, and treble values of the System Q
presets. The speaker setting should be selected first.
System Q Sound Control: Six
EQ
curves are preset into memory, allowing you to recall the best preset EQ curve
for different types of music. Each
preset has its own level settings for bass (100Hz), midrange (1kHz), and treble
(10kHz). The 6 preset curves with their respective bass, mid, and treble levels
are as follows:
- Rock: Bass +6, Mid +1,
Treble +2
- Pops:
Bass +3, Mid +2, Treble +6
- Easy: Bass +6, Mid 0, Treble -2
- Top 40: Bass +3, Mid +1, Treble +8
- Jazz: Bass +5, Mid +2, Treble +2
- Natural (Flat): Bass 0, Mid 0, Treble 0
Note: The above values
reflect the System Q settings when the Speaker Setting function is
turned off. When the Speaker Settings are selected, the System Q level
settings are different.
Bass/Treble/Mid Control: The
KDC-MP438U features independent Bass, Treble and Midrange control. You can adjust
each one from -8 to +8db. The bass frequency is adjusted at 100 Hz, the treble
frequency is adjusted at 10 kHz and the midrange frequency is adjusted at 1 kHz.
Loudness: The Loudness feature compensates for low and high
tones during low volume. You can turn this feature either on or off. Only the
low tone is compensated for when the tuner is selected as a source.
Source Tone Memory: This feature allows you to store System Q bass, middle and treble tone settings
for each source (CD, FM, AM, and Aux).
Volume Offset: The level of
each source may be independently adjusted to prevent radical leaps in output
volume when switching from one source to another. The available settings range
from -8 to 0.
Text/Title Scroll: The
KDC-MP438U will display CD text, Audio file text and Satellite radio
text. You can turn the
scrolling feature "on" to scroll longer titles across the screen.
Last Position Memory:
If the unit is shut off or switched to the tuner mode while a CD is playing, the
next time CD is selected as the source, playback will resume from the point
where it left off.
Off Eject: The KDC-MP438U allows
you to eject your disc for 10 minutes after switching off the vehicles engine.
CD Force: When there is a
problem with playing a CD with a special format, this setting plays the CD by
force. Some CDs still may not play in the CD Force mode.
CR-2 Advanced Tuner: This unit
uses Kenwood's CR-2 Advanced tuner for clear radio reception. You can choose one
of three tuning modes: Auto 1 (seek tuning), Auto 2 (cycles through and tunes
the selected band's preset stations only with each button press), or Manual.
Auto Memory Tuning: Not only
does the CD receiver's tuner allow you manually enter your desired presets you
can choose to have the unit automatically put stations with good reception in
the memory banks automatically; this is a handy feature when traveling. The
tuner features 3 FM banks (1, 2, 3) and 1 AM bank. You can store 6 presets for
each AM/FM bank giving you a total of 18 FM presets and 6 AM presets.
Clean Reception System Circuit
(CRSC): This circuit controls multi-path distortion by reducing stereo
separation. As stereo separation is reduced, multi-path has less effect on the
radio signal, improving reception in areas with tall buildings and mountains.
The CRSC circuit can be turned on or off.
Tel Mute: The KDC-MP438U features a cell-phone mute wire (brown) in its harness that when hooked up to
your car's phone system mute wire will automatically mute the receiver's audio
signal when a call comes in.
Security Code: You can enter a
4-digit security code which must be used when the unit is removed from the
vehicle, or the constant power source is disconnected from the unit. When
constant power is restored to the unit, the security code must be entered before
the unit becomes operational.
FL Display: The unit features a large 14-segment Fluorescent
display that uses a black background and blue characters that are easy to read.
Display Illumination/Clock
Display: When the unit is in Standby mode, the face/button illumination
is "keyed." In addition, while the unit is in Standby mode, you can turn the
clock display on or off. When the Clock Display is turned on and the unit is in
Standby mode, the Clock Display is also "keyed." Pressing and holding the source
button turns the unit off completely.
Dimmer: The dimmer function will dim this unit's display
automatically when the vehicle light switch is turned On when you connect
orange/white Illumination wire of this player.
Remote Control: The KDC-MP438U comes with the RC-547 IR
wireless remote control with a full numeric keypad. The remote will control
Audio, CD, Tuner, Satellite Radio and Dual Zone functions. It is powered by
2 "AA" batteries (supplied). The dimensions of the remote are: L = 5.362", W =
1.962", D = 1.115".
Attenuator: The CD receiver
features an Attenuator button on the supplied remote control that turns the
volume down very quickly with one touch of the button.
Steering Wheel Remote Compatibility: The KDC-MP438U has a
"steering remote control" lead on the back panel. When used with the optional
SWI-JACK interface (item number 127SWIJACK), you can retain the use of your
steering wheel and/or rear seat radio controls when replacing the factory head
unit in select vehicles. The SWI-JACK is compatible with over 95% of the
vehicles made from 1986 to the present. Compatible vehicles include many Acura,
Audi, BMW, Buick, Cadillac, Chevrolet, Chrysler, Dodge, Ford, GMC, Honda,
Hummer, Infiniti, Isuzu, Jaguar, Jeep, Kia, Land Rover, Lexus, Lincoln, Mazda,
Mercury, Mini, Mitsubishi, Nissan, Oldsmobile, Plymouth, Pontiac, Saab, Saturn,
Suzuki, Toyota, and Volkswagen vehicles and Harley Davidson motorcycles. Please
consult "What Fits My Car" to see if your vehicle is compatible.
External Device Controls
USB Port: The Kenwood KDC-MP438U features a front panel 2.0
USB type-A port that is hidden behind a sliding cover. The USB port enables
connection and control of a portable USB mass-storage class device. The USB port is
compatible with all USB mass storage class devices that support the FAT16 or
FAT32 file system. Your USB device should only have a maximum of 8 directory
levels, 255 folders, and 255 files per folder with a maximum of 65,025 files and
folders. When your USB device is connected to this unit, it can be
charged up provided that the KDC-MP438U is powered on.
Note: You cannot
connect a USB device via a USB hub or Multi-Card Reader to this unit.
iPod High-Speed Connection:
The KDC-MP438U's front-panel USB port
also acts as an iPod high-speed direct connection when used with the optional
Kenwood USB Direct Connection Cable (113iP100, sold separately) or the USB/iPod
cable that came with
your iPod. Using either cable allows you to connect, control, and charge the following iPod models with
the KDC-MP438U: iPod nano (1st/2nd/3rd/4th generation), iPod video (5th
generation), iPod classic (80/120/160GB), iPod touch (1st/2nd generation), and iPhone/iPhone 3G. You should update your iPod with the
latest software version from Apple's website before connecting it to the
KDC-MP438U. When your iPod is connected to the
KDC-MP438U, the iPod's controls will be disabled and you will need to operate
your iPod through the KDC-MP438U's controls.
Note: All other iPod
models not mentioned above are not compatible with this unit.
Satellite Radio Ready: There
are several options for connecting an optional XM or SIRIUS Satellite Radio
receiver to this receiver:
HD Radio Ready: With an optional Kenwood HD Radio tuner (item #
113KTCHR20), you will be able to receive digital AM/FM broadcasts from local
stations where available. This new technology will significantly improve audio
quality and reception, as well as include information such as artist name and
song titles or traffic news, viewable on the receiver's display.
Bluetooth Ready: The unit is
also Bluetooth compatible using the optional Kenwood KCA-BT200 Bluetooth
adapter. Using this adapter you can make and answer phone calls from the Kenwood
headunit. You can even download your Phonebook information from your compatible
mobile phone into the headunit. You are able to register up to five compatible
Bluetooth cell phones when using the KCA-BT200 adapter. Visit
http://www.kenwood.com/bt/information/ for a complete list of compatible
Bluetooth enabled phones.
Changer Controls: This unit is directly compatible with Kenwood changers
manufactured in 1998 or later. If the changer has an O-N switch, the switch will
need to be set to the "N" position. In addition to basic disc navigation features, this
unit has the following changer controls: direct disc access (using the remote),
direct track access (using the remote), track intro scan, track repeat, disc
repeat, disc random, and magazine disc random. When connected to a CD Text capable CD changer or
an MD changer, this unit can display disc and track titles for discs encoded
with disc and track title information. The text information can be scrolled
manually or automatically.
Rear Auxiliary Input "Ready":
The unit already features a front panel auxiliary
input, but if you need a second auxiliary input, one can be added to the rear of
the unit. When used with an optional adapter, this unit can accept a rear input
from an auxiliary source. When the CA-C1AUX adapter (item 113CAC1AX) is used,
you cannot connect a CD changer to the head unit because the adapter plugs into
the DIN changer control connection on the head unit. When the KCA-S220A
2-changer switch (item
113KCAS220) is used, you can connect a CD changer and an auxiliary audio source
at the same time. When an auxiliary audio source is connected, you can choose
from one of six names for the source: Aux Ext, TV, DVD, Video, Game, or
Portable.
