Our take on the AudioControl's The Epicenter InDash

by Buck Pomerantz

Bring out the bass
AudioControl's The Epicenter InDash bass processor will maximize the low-frequency power of your system, whether you listen to bass from a small tube or a multi-woofer competition setup. Simply install this processor between your car's receiver and your amps, and hear what you've been missing.

Processor restores the lowest frequencies
The Epicenter InDash uses the bass enhancement circuitry of AudioControl's legendary "The Epicenter" bass processor to analyze the signal coming from your receiver, restore low bass fundamental tones, and increase your bass response without stressing out your speakers. And you can connect The Epicenter InDash to just about any receiver, thanks to its speaker- and preamp-level inputs.

Simple and effective
One twist of the bass knob, and you'll hear the bottom returning to your music. The Epicenter InDash does a great job of pumping up your digital music files or live recordings, restoring low bass that's been lost to compression or poor recording. Separate parametric, Para-BASS™ controls let you fine tune bass response and allow you to choose the center frequency for the bass maximization circuitry.

SPL meter for competitors
You'll also get an SPL display that uses a built-in microphone to measure the sound pressure level of your system — all the way up to 160 dB. A "Peak Hold" setting allows you to show off your system's maximum bump. The display also monitors your battery voltage, a nice feature if you've been playing music with the engine turned off. A warning light lets you know when interior sound levels exceed 120 dB so you can use ear protection. And you can switch the backlight illumination to either red or blue, to go with your car or mood.

Note: This AudioControl sound processor needs to be wired in line between your receiver and amplifier. Although it can be in line after an equalizer, it must be installed before any crossover.

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Highlights:

in-dash bass processor/SPL meter
increases bass response from your system
Para-BASS parametric bass EQ
speaker- and preamp-level inputs
SPL meter displays sound pressure level or battery voltage
built-in microphone
switchable backlight illumination (red or blue)
frequency response: 10 to 100,000 Hz
6-13/16"W x 1-1/16"H x 5-1/16"D
weight: 2 pounds
warranty: 5 years
Our 60-day money-back guarantee

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What's in the box?

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In-Dash Bass Restoration Processor
2 Mounting brackets
Four 1/4" Mounting screws
Owner's manual
QC checklist

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Features

Bass Restoration: Rather than simply turning up the bass, the patented bass restoration circuit takes a full range input signal and measures the upper harmonics of the bass frequency range to determine what frequencies have been lost during the recording process, then correctly restores the missing bass information. A rotary knob allows you control how much bass is restored to the system. A full range signal is output from the Epicenter InDash that can feed a full range amp, a subwoofer amp (with built-in crossover), or an outboard crossover.

Para-Bass: Para-Bass is a single band, parametric equalizer for the bass output. The center frequency is continuously variable from 27 Hz to 63 Hz. The width of the band is also adjustable.

Balanced Inputs: Using the balanced differential input circuit cancels noise picked up in the transmission line between the Epicenter InDash and the the source unit. The inputs can be set to balanced or unbalanced if needed.

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.

Terminal Blocks: The power/ground/remote/illumination terminal and the speaker level input terminal are removable; the wiring is attached to each block, then the blocks are plugged into the rear panel.

Display: A digital display on the front panel shows either the input battery voltage or the SPL measured by the front panel microphone. The peak function holds the highest SPL measured until the unit is turned off (or until the peak function is turned off). If the microphone measures SPL at 120 dB or higher, a warning light appears in the display.

Illumination: The outer ring of each knob is lit whenever the illumination terminal is energized. The color is switchable between blue and red. Wiring the illumination terminal to a dimmer circuit allows you to adjust the brightness. The digital voltage/SPL display is red.

Mounting: The 1/2 DIN Epicenter InDash chassis can be mounted in-dash, or under-dash using the included brackets.

Specifications:

Maximum Input Level: 15 volts RMS
Maximum Output Level: 9.5 volts RMS/13.5 volts peak
Frequency response: 10 Hz-100 kHz; +/-1dB
THD: 0.003%
S/N Ratio: 130dB
Balanced Input Noise Rejection: 60 dB
Microphone Acoustical Level: 70 dB to 160 dB
High SPL Warning: 120 dB
Input Impedance: 10 kΩ
Output Impedance: 160 ohms
Current Draw: 300 mA
Recommended Fuse: 1 amp
Weight: 2 pounds

Connections:

Line Inputs: stereo RCA jacks; rear panel
Speaker Level Inputs: removable terminal block; rear panel
Line Outputs: stereo RCA jacks; rear panel

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