JL Audio FiX&trade; 86

Will this work if my factory radio has all pass filter?

Hey Gregory. I bought the fix86 because it said it would make my factory radio sound better with the new Polk audio door speakers I installed. I haven't even had it installed to tell you my opinion on it. As far as your question goes, I recommend calling the Crutchfield technical support line posted on there website. I have no idea what any of that means haha. I had to Google DSP. Sorry and trust the Crutchfield representatives, they helped me a few times when I needed them. Good luck.

[ JOHN CORY May 14, 2022 ]

[ Matthew Apr 27, 2022 ]

I have a 2014 Chevy Silverado with the six speakers stock system I have a jl audio fix86 that I'm going to install wanted to know correct connections from stock radio 1/2 channel front (fix 86) to front dash speakers. Front door speakers to channel 5/6 rear channel ( fix 86) and rear door speakers to channel 7/8 sub channel ( fix 86). To allow me to connect to rca connections on (fix 86) a 4 channel amp for front speakers channel 1/2 on amp and rear speakers to channel 3/4 on amp to rca connection fix 86. And mono block amp to sub rca connection Fix 86? I want to know if that is correct connection. Allowing me to connect a pair of 6 and 1/2 component speakers in the front a pair of 6 and 1/2 component speakers in the rear and under the seat Subs for the sub

Yes, it will work. But it won't have the big amount of before & after contrasts as it does with a radio/front end that has its output frequency response altered (filtered) to compensate for the associated factory amps and speakers (that are usually cheap and colored). The TUNE system, hardware and software, "hears" the frequency response of the electronics of a system and automatically makes adjustments so that the signal sent to the speaker is flat. After the response is flattened the TUNE software does allow the user to make manual adjustments to eliminate peaks and dips if desired. But JL Audio, and others, make equalizers that are specifically designed for that purpose and can usually do a more efficient and effective job in getting a system to sound right after the electronics have been corrected (assuming such correction is necessary). The TUNE software that is used in many of JL Audio's products is very good at ensuring that an excellent sounding result is reached. The company has a series of understandable, detailed, and helpful seminars on Facebook that show how TUNE works and how to best use it.

[ HUNTER Apr 27, 2022 ]

[ JULIO Jun 09, 2021 ]

What does it mean by "non-fading" sub output?

That is exactly how I wired mine in a 2016 Sierra.

[ MACKENZIE Jun 09, 2021 ]

[ SETH ANDREW Mar 02, 2021 ]

I hook up a jl speaker and a 800 watt amp on my 2017 hyundai sonata. Which Eq do I have to get?

It means you cannot fade the output to front or rear.

[ ANTHONY Mar 02, 2021 ]

[ DN Oct 22, 2020 ]

Got everything hooked up in a 2017 dodge journey and it works....kinda. Have terrible noise in my 4 channels even with the 8.4 u connect radio off and engine not running.Have tried 2 different 4 channel amps and different grounds with no change. Sub amp has no noise. Can't figure out where the problem is. Any suggestions?!

The fix 86 has a eq on it. You can access it via a windows 10 or a Mac computer. It offers a lot of customization!! I love mine!

[ Noah Nov 13, 2020 ]

[ JUSTIN Oct 16, 2020 ]

How do I wire the sub inputs if I have a mono block amp for my sub? Does it matter if I have a dual voice coil sub? Right now I have 16 gauge speaker wire running from channel 7 to Channel 8 in parallel to both positive and negative channels. Is that correct ?

If you purchased the product from Crutchfield, feel free to contact our Tech Support team. They can walk you through the settings on the product and see if there may be a fix. Our toll-free Tech Support number is printed on your invoice, and is also available under the "My Orders" tab in the "My Account" section of our website. If you did not purchase the unit from Crutchfield, then you may want to contact the manufacturer.

[ KRISTINA Nov 06, 2020 ] Staff

[ EDGAR Oct 10, 2020 ]

I have a 2017 GMC Sierra 1500. The door and other warning chimes play through the stereo. Will adding the JL Audio FiX 86 and an aftermarket amp have any effect on the volume of the chimes (i.e. make them louder), assuming everything is installed correctly?

[ JASON Oct 08, 2020 ]

You will want to contact an Advisor by phone (1-800-324-9695) or online chat to discuss compatibility with your factory system. They will be able to pull up your vehicle and see if this will integrate. If it does not, then they will also be able to discuss other options with you.

[ KRISTINA Oct 16, 2020 ] Staff

[ Jase Oct 07, 2020 ]

My 2003 BMW 540's sound system was upgraded in 2004 with Diamond Audio component and Diamond Audio coax speakers, 2 JL Audio subs, 4 channel and Mono JL amps. I forgot now what LOC was used by the installer. I am looking at this JL Fix 86 to replace the LOC that I have now. Will this work.?I have the Fix 86 and TWK on my 2016 Toyota Highlander with Morel speakers and JL powered sub and like it very much. Is there any comparable unit from another manufacturer that does the same thing?

This won't change the relative volume level of the chimes when compared to the rest of the audio/music. Their offset will remain the same.

[ JASON Oct 25, 2020 ] Staff

Its the same with most cars these days,, none of them have a separate speaker for the chimes, i haven't had any of mine sound any different or louder,hope that helps :)

[ BRENT Oct 22, 2020 ]

[ Herminio Jun 06, 2020 ]

I have a fix 86 do I need a twk 88?

[ Oscar May 06, 2020 ]

Do I need the DRC-205 remote control with this?

No, it would be duplicative. They are both DSPs. The fix series is intended for OEM integration, with speaker level inputs. The TWK series is for aftermarket installations using either line level RCA inputs or digital connection with an optical connection.

[ BRANDON May 06, 2020 ]

[ Justin Feb 27, 2020 ]

4 answers

No JL kinda acts like it's important but i had stereo shops also tell me you don't need it I have one and just leave the knob all the way up then use volume control on head unit

[ SHON Feb 28, 2020 ]

Technically I don't think you do, but for optimal use you do want one. You set Fix by calibrating your head unit volume at 75% of its output or before it clips and leave it there, then use the remote control as a master volume. Without it, you would just use your master head unit volume only which kind of cancels the point of calibration.

[ Brian Feb 28, 2020 ]

You don't need one but you can use this remote control to control different output levels

[ DOUGLAS Feb 27, 2020 ]

No, it is not a must but rather a nice to have.

[ Sean Feb 27, 2020 ]

I have front and rear rca outputs from the head unit. Will the fix 86 accept front and rear rca cables instead of direct speaker wire?

[ Ryan Nov 29, 2019 ]

does the fix 86 remove engine noise being picked up by my new system?

If you already have RCA ouputs, get the Twk. The Fix86 is good for a low level converter and to remove factory EQ.

[ EDWIN Nov 30, 2019 ]

The rca s are just for output but if you already have rcas on your head unit you don't need the fix 86 it's more for OEM integration

[ SHON Nov 30, 2019 ]

The purpose of the Fix unit is oe integration on newer vehicles so it's not meant for input that way. New cars amplifiers clip the base out to protect the speakers leaving a not so great experience and if your adding an amp to I have to use this. If you have rca's already you wouldn't need this. Hope this helps.

[ MIKE Nov 30, 2019 ]

[ Renick Apr 09, 2019 ]

Do I need the fix 86 or does my twk 88 already give me the flat output signal that I need?

It will Defiantly help with that issue but i would check your grounds too

[ ELI Apr 09, 2019 ]

No. It will not.

[ Hunter Apr 09, 2019 ]

Renick, it depends on what the cause of the noise is. If it is a constant hiss, the Fix 86 could help due to the processing capabilities that are not present in a factory stereo. If your "new system" is aftermarket, then you likely do not need this unit. It is primarily for vehicles that have added amps and speakers, but have a factory head unit that cannot give you the equalization/processing that most aftermarket head units do. I'd say 95 percent of the time or more, "engine noise" is caused by a bad ground somewhere (particularly if the noise increases with acceleration). All that said, this unit is fantastic for those that want to add amps, better speakers, and overall better sound to a vehicle without changing out the head unit.

[ Travis Apr 09, 2019 ]

[ SHAWN Aug 26, 2018 ]

I see a few Jeep Uconnect questions. I have a Jeep Grand Cherokee with Uconnect, but no seperate factory amp. I'm using an AudioControl DQ-61 which obviously can't do anywhere near what the fix 86 can do, but it does not require a separate volume knob which is a requirement for me. (I'm left-handed and I switched my steering control to left side). So given that I won't use the separate volume knob, will it negate the function of the fix 86 enough to not warrant the upgrade from the DQ-61? Or should I just wait and upgrade to the AudioControl DM-608?

The fix creates the flat output signal, and the twk tailors the sound to your liking. Start with the fix, it does have a built in eq and if you need more adjustments add the fix.

[ DEREK Aug 30, 2018 ]

[ Richard May 07, 2018 ]

Have a 2018 Jeep Grand Cherokee with UConnect... I have read the fix 86 may have load sense issues. Any problems with This on the Jeep and will I need the extra part? Also I read the fix86 requires the added knob which takes over volume control... will the UConnect volume stop functioning with this?.

This FiX 86 can be used without the volume knob and still get you almost all the quality it's built to deliver should you go that way. I recommend calling an advisor on 1-800-324-9695 to get a personal recommendation on which would meet your goals the best to see if either of those two new ones will help My Bio: http://www.crutchfield.com/Support/Bio.aspx?bio=101

[ JASON May 28, 2018 ] Staff

[ Michael Feb 18, 2018 ]

Can you use this with 2 amps? I.E. 4 ch. amp for the door speakers amp and another mono amp for the sub. Thanks.

i had one in my 2016 jk. don't know what the problem was, but I went through 2 of them before deciding to replace the head unit. would not recommend. crutchfield was great to work with, replaced one then refunded for the second. don't know which grand cherokee you got, but if you have the option change the head unit. you will get a much better sound even if the fix86 works. my wife just got a 2018 grand cherokee limited 2 days ago and on that changing the head unit really isn't an option, to much going on with it. hope this helps

[ richard Feb 18, 2018 ]

f150 here. I use the fix86 with my stock unit which is somewhat similar to your setup. I did not need any knob. The stock unit works the same, just sounds a lot better because the fix86 gave me a clean pre amp signal to use for my new amps etc. all stock volume controls work the same. No volume issues. On another note, i wish that we could just purchase new head units like the old days. Maybe some day they will figure out the software to make that happen. Hope this helped.

[ Todd Feb 18, 2018 ]

Unconnect functions fine with the fix86. When you set it up, you turn the volume up 75% and it does its optimization for that level. If you use the volume on your radio, the only place it will be optimized is at 75%. That is where the additional volume control comes into play. You leave the head unit at 75 and adjust the sound volume with the additional control. It takes some getting used to, reaching for the new knob instead of the volume on the wheel or the head unit but the quality of the music is well worth the learning curve.

[ MARCUS Feb 18, 2018 ]

[ T-Loc Dec 29, 2017 ]

Quick question, maybe this is obvious, but i'm still a little unsure. If I only have FR, FL, RR, and RL speaker signal outputs from my TAU, but I want to add a sub, what speaker output/ signal would I use for the sub input on this unit?

Absolutely...I have a 6 channel system for my highs...I am using the front out going to a 4 channel amp that is pushing my dash speakers and my front door speakers. I did this so I can adjust the gain/crossover separately for my front channels. I am using the rear out to another 2 channel amp which is pushing the highs in My rear door speakers. Last I'm using the sub out going to a mono block amp pushing my subs. With the software I have an unbelievable amount of tuning options.

[ JOSHUA A Dec 29, 2017 ]

[ SYNJEN Dec 10, 2017 ]

will I be able to keep all factory functions such as Uconnect on my Jeep JKU?

The FiX 86 will take the 4-channel input in your factory system and automatically sums the signal internally to provide a filtered subwoofer output. For more details or to discuss further, please contact an Advisor directly by phone (888.955.6000) or online chat. Thanks!

[ DAVID Dec 18, 2017 ] Staff

As long as some or all of the front or rear inputs contain a full range signal, you will be fine. This is many times vehicle and/ or oem sound system specific. For example, on my F150 w/ Sony audio, only my rear speakers received full range. And while I did have a separate sub signal, it was so distorted it was unusable. If available, use the forums for your vehicle to get the specifics.

[ JAMES D Dec 17, 2017 ]

[ Scott Dec 07, 2017 ]

Should you obtain the factory signal before or after the factory amplifier?

Yessir. I cannot speak specifically for Uconnect, but in my Tahoe, it did not effect Chevy MyLink or any factory features. All it does is process the signal coming from your factory head unit and the amps.

[ Travis Dec 07, 2017 ]

I was able to keep all functionality of my factory headunit with the Fix 86.

[ STEVEN Dec 07, 2017 ]

Yes but I'm not impressed with it. I replaced everything in my renegade with top end replacements and the quality of sound, sounds better in my parents upgraded Cherokee. I have alpine everything but the JL H/O sub. I put a 5 channel amp but don't recommend it.

[ David Dec 07, 2017 ]

[ MARK Nov 16, 2017 ]

Once installed and calibrated, can the unit be hidden with no easy access and any needed tweaking handled by the software via USB? Will the end user need to access the unit?

if you can get your four channels before your factory amp this is not needed.Its made for cars like Mercedes-Benz where your low level signals or fiber optic or cmos and cannot be taped until after factory amp/signal processor.The fix86 allows your front/rear fade. The fix82 2 channel only. You know have a flat input to work with. You can add twk 88 which you gives you eq. abilities and more. If you want center channel then look at Helix units

[ KEITH Nov 16, 2017 ]

The fix 86 it goes after the factory amp.

[ KEITH Nov 16, 2017 ]

[ Greg Jul 13, 2017 ]

5 answers

Yes, they will need to access the unit or you can run a USB from the unit to a place more accessible. I ran a USB from the unit under my dash so I can get access to tuning when needed

[ David Jul 14, 2017 ]

Please ignore the reference to "presets" in my previous answer - I was assuming you were also using the TWK for tuning after the FIX...

[ JAMES D Jul 14, 2017 ]

No access, other than USB, is needed post-install. The TUN software via USB is all that's needed to tailor your presets.

[ JAMES D Jul 14, 2017 ]

If it is properly installed/tuned you will have zero need to access the device. I haven't had any reason to adjust mine in over a year. Very happy with it.

[ Jordan Jul 14, 2017 ]

Once installed, calibrated, and adjusted, you can place in a no access area. But personally I would want access if I felt it needed adjustments. It has a long usb cable, that's really all you need access to.

[ ERIC Jul 14, 2017 ]

On my car ... Pre amp lines coming from the factory stereo and into the factory amp - the stereo feeds only 2 sets/channels of wires to the factory amplifier that are the following - FL+- wires FR+- wires Can I feed the above pre amp lines (FL & FR) into the Fix86 *and then* the Fix86 create the rest of the missing channels? If not, which product will allow me to create more channels from the only two lines I have available (FL and FR)? Post factory amplifier all the channels are present, the factory amplifier creates the rest of them from FL and FR, but I fear tapping into post amplifier channels will create noise and sound issues.

[ Andrew Jun 12, 2017 ]

HU sounds different from radio to aux to Bluetooth, with a big tone difference. will the fix correct the tone differences across input selections?

The 86 takes speaker-level inputs and then converts them to preamp outs. Since you already have preamp outs, you don't need it; you're already past that step. The TWK 88 (a processor) will take those preamp channels and do most anything you want with them. You can adjust crossovers, levels, even EQ. It's all configurable from a Windows laptop via USB. I'd take a look at that box. I love mine.

[ Andrew Jun 13, 2017 ]

What kind of vehicle I'm really not sure I used to fix in the other product By JL to get my system to work I got a 16 F3 50 Ford it wasn't easy but everything's tweet nowEnter an answer to this question.

[ BRIAN Jun 13, 2017 ]

[ CURTIS Mar 10, 2017 ]

will i lose HU volume controls?

This will not be able to fix that issue. It does not have a way of knowing which input you have selected to know how much offest is needed. The only way I know of fixing that would be a receiver that has a volume offset for each of those sources. I recommend contacting an advisor on 1-800-324-9695 for a personal recommendation on a receiver if you decide to go this route. My Bio: https://www.crutchfield.com/Support/Bio.aspx?bio=101

[ JASON Mar 17, 2017 ] Staff

[ CURTIS Mar 10, 2017 ]

4 answers

No you will not loose volume control from the head unit .

[ Michael Mar 10, 2017 ]

I Didnt in my 2016 silverado w/bose system

[ SEAN Mar 10, 2017 ]

No. You will control the volume thru the factory HU.

[ JASON Mar 10, 2017 ]

No, you can still control the volume with the head unit but I do find that controlling it through the Fix 86 provides a more consistent sound quality. In my opinion.

[ Michael Mar 10, 2017 ]

does this help if using aftermarket speakers with stock headunit? (no aftermarket amp)

[ DYLAN Feb 26, 2017 ]

Does the FiX 86 have a microphone? Does it listen to the tones played on the calibration CD?

No, it will not help. This will turn the high level signal into low level at the output, needing an amp to get to high level again.

[ EDWIN Jul 24, 2018 ]

Depends on if you think a flat signal is helping. It takes all the equalization from the stock head unit, flattens it out, and outputs that flat signal. Basically giving you a clean slate to work with. After using mine for a week or so, I think I will be needing the TwK 88 to get the sound I want. The FiX 86 gave me a consistent signal to work with from the stock head unit and now I need the TwK 88 to tweak the sound to my preference, which I couldn't reliably do without the Fix. Give the Rockford Fosgate 3sixty.3 a good look. I believe it does the same function as the Fix and TwK together for a good bit less.

[ MARCUS Feb 28, 2017 ]

[ RICHARD Feb 15, 2017 ]

Can one of the subwoofer outs be switched for use by the center channel in my truck?

No microphone, it just corrects the signal electrically with some test tones.

[ EDWIN Jul 24, 2018 ]

There is no external mic included with the FiX 86--all the calibration is done internally via the included CD or a loaded thumb drive connected to your receiver. If you would like to discuss further, feel free to contact an Advisor directly by phone (1-800-324-9695) or online chat.

[ DAVID Feb 27, 2017 ] Staff

[ MATTHEW ERIC Jan 29, 2017 ]

How do you do calibrate this device if your system does not have a cd Player?

This will just attempt to flatten the signal and the included EQ is barely enough to get you system as you need. For completing tuning your system a DSP like the Twk or any other brand is needed.

[ EDWIN Jul 24, 2018 ]

The JL Audio Fix 86 processor does not offer any 5.1 decoding or mono outputs for providing signal to a center channel speaker. While I know this isn't the answer you were looking for, I hope the information helps.

[ Ryan Feb 09, 2017 ] Staff

[ Keith Oct 29, 2016 ]

Will this get rid of any "pop" sounds related to turning on and off amplifiers added to factory head units?

Sorry. Misunderstood your question. Calibration tone(s) can be introduced from USB, SDcard or Bluetooth as well.

[ JAMES D Oct 29, 2016 ]

Calibration is done automatically by pushing in button as you play first track of fix 86 cd they provide. It only takes 30 seconds to preform. Very easy to install and the rest is done by the 86. I'm sure you can transfer cd to thumb drive on your computer if you don't have CD player. Then play from thumb drive. Call jl audio tech support to confirm. I've called a few times in past with questions and they have always helped.

[ JEFF H Oct 29, 2016 ]

Source (CD, radio, MP3...) is not a factor. The Fix-86 is used to 'sum' factory radio/ amp signals that have been equalized, sometimes variably (different EQ at different volumes). Calibration objective is strip out factory 'processing' resulting in a clean audio signal, usually for input to an aftermarket amplifier. You will need some car audio expertise to tackle this!

[ JAMES D Oct 29, 2016 ]

[ A1dookie Jul 31, 2016 ]

Does this defeat the head unit tone and fade controls?

I installed this in a 2015 GMC canyon... there is absolutely no pops or engine noise.

[ JOSHUA A Dec 29, 2017 ]

JL Audio's FiX 86 digital signal processor is designed to provide a completely flat and focused audio signal from the factory installed radio to your aftermarket amplifier(s). So while it's hard to say for certain, I would imagine any sort of "popping" noises would be relieved by installing the FiX 86 in your system. I hope that helps. My Bio: http://www.crutchfield.com/Support/Bio.aspx?bio=159

[ DAVID Aug 05, 2016 ] Staff

[ Jeff Jul 26, 2016 ]