Our take on the AudioControl LC7i

by Buck Pomerantz

This LOC lets you amplify your factory system and restores the bass

Your car's stereo has great features, like steering wheel controls, built-in Bluetooth®, or navigation, but the sound is terrible. AudioControl's LC7i 6-channel line output converter lets you hook up aftermarket amps, speakers, and subs to almost any factory stereo, allowing you to improve the sound without losing any of the factory features. It takes the speaker outputs of your factory radio or amp, converts it to a clean, unified, preamp-level signal, and then sends it along to your amps so you can enjoy some real power and impact in your music.

Why you have to restore the bass

Many factory systems actually turn the bass down as you increase the volume, because the cheap factory speakers can't take it, subsequently removing much of your music's power and punch. AudioControl developed a patent pending AccuBASS™ circuit that restores the bass the factory radio erased, giving you much fuller and more enjoyable sound. The AccuBASS is applied to the subwoofer output channel, so your sub amp can have the entire, restored signal to work with.

What else can it do?

For factory systems that use amplifiers and crossovers for midrange drivers and tweeters, the LC7i features an internal signal summing circuit that puts the full-range sound back together, so you can amplify it properly. For systems without a sub channel, an AutoMode™ feature can create one, so you can add a subwoofer. A signal-sensing circuit turns on the LC7i without needing a remote wire, while a 12-volt remote output turns on your amplifiers. You can even use the optional ACR-1 wired remote bass level control to adjust the subwoofer level from the front seat. The LC7i comes in white or dark gray, giving you more options for your system's look.

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Highlights:

6-channel line output converter (Salmon Gray)
designed to work with any factory stereo
6 speaker-level inputs (each can handle up to 400 watts RMS of power)
AccuBASS bass restoration circuitry
6-channel preamp-level outputs
AutoMode creates subwoofer channel when needed
level matching controls
maximum output level: 8.5 volts RMS
internal signal summing available when used with factory systems with crossovers
optional wired remote subwoofer level control
signal-sensing turn on
12-volt 1-amp turn-on lead output
recommended fuse: 2-amp
dimensions: 7-1/2"W x 1-5/16"H x 6-3/8"D
warranty: 5 years
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What's in the box?

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6-Channel line output converter
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Features

Six Channel Line Output Converter: The AudioControl LC7i is a six channel active line converter which allows you to keep your factory installed source unit in your vehicle and still dramatically improve your car audio system performance. The LC7i accepts up to six channels of speaker-level signal from factory installed amplifiers or a source unit and converts it to a high quality, after market low-noise, pre-amp level signal that can be fed to amplifiers and speakers.

AccuBASS: The LC7i fixes one of the biggest letdowns of today's factory systems, weak bass. Designed for maximum sound quality and enhanced audio performance, the LC7i incorporates AccuBASS. This patent pending process automatically corrects for the bass roll-off that is common with many factory-installed audio systems and AudioControl's unique and exclusive AccuBASS patent pending circuitry maintains and restores the Bass as the volume is turned up, improving the audio performance.

Speaker Input: The speaker level inputs are compatible with nearly any factory stereo system, even most Bose systems. There are 3 pair of inputs that will accommodate up to 400 watts.

Channel Summing: The LC7i has the ability to sum together multiple input channels (4 or 6) from the factory source unit into 2 channels. This is handy when the factory system has multiple, actively crossed-over signals sent from the OEM source unit or amplifier(s). For example, in some vehicles there is an actively crossed-over tweeter, midrange, and woofer all in the front of the vehicle. The LC7i lets you take all of those signals and sum them together to get a high-quality, full-range, pre-amp signal without the use of any additional cables or hardware.

AutoMode Inputs: When there is no signal present at the channel 3 input, the channel 2 input automatically feeds the channel 2 and channel 3 outputs.

Output Level: The +/- 12 dB output level allows you to adjust the head unit's voltage to the top of your amp's input range; up to 8.5 volts RMS. Each of the three pair of RCA outputs has its own level adjustment.

Auto Turn-on: The main speaker level input has a signal sensing circuit; the unit turns on when there's a speaker level input signal and turns off when the signal disappears.

Ground Isolation: The power supply ground is switchable, in case of ground loop noise. The factory position is fully isolated (typically the best choice), but can be changed to Ground or 200Ω.

Remote Output: The +12 volt DC remote output will trigger an amp to turn on whenever the LC7i is on. The remote's maximum current output is 1 amp.

Terminal Blocks: The power/ground/remote in/remote out terminal and the speaker level input terminals are removable; the wiring is attached to the block, then the block is plugged into the LC7. The terminal blocks will accommodate wire up to 12 gauge.

Optional Remote Control: Using the optional ACR-1 wired remote (161ACR1, sold separately) you can easily adjust the output level of channel 3 of the AudioControl LC7i, often used for a subwoofer. The remote is designed to be dash mounted, within reach of the driver; it can be mounted under the dash with the supplied bracket, or the bracket can be removed and the knob and LED can be custom mounted through the dash

Specifications:

Maximum Speaker Level Input: 400 watts (at 4Ω)
Maximum Output Voltage: 8.5 volts RMS
Frequency response: 10Hz-22kHz
THD: 0.01%
Input Impedance: 20 kΩ
Output Impedance: 150 Ohms

Product reviews from the Crutchfield Labs (what are the Labs?)

Quick impressions from the Lab

Written by Buck Pomerantz, Staff Writer - Creative, on 8/28/2012 10:31:00 AM

This hand-sized device is of very solid construction. The raised knobs include little extrusions so you can make adjustments by hand as well as by small screwdriver. The controls are very tight, which is good — they won't move under vibrating conditions or when merely touched. There are three output level controls for the three pairs of channels, and two knobs for the AccuBASS restoration, as well as summing and maximized-level indicator LEDs. It looks very simple to operate.

The unit includes a hand-initialed test checklist, attesting to the processor's high quality and the pride of the builders. The entertaining owner's manual informs us that it comes in a "Recyclable cardboard box for easy storage or emergency heating needs." Cute. The instructions are well-written and should be simple to follow.