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The Epicenter® by AudioControl Bass restoration processor (White)

Item # 161EPICEW

You like all the bumpin' bass you hear in hip hop, rap, and EDM? Well you can put that deep, biting bass into any...

You like all the bumpin' bass you hear in hip hop, rap, and EDM? Well you can put that deep, biting bass into any...

30 questions - 45 answers

Item # 161EPICEW

About the The Epicenter® by AudioControl

Gabrielle Thorndyke

Kick up the bass

You like all the bumpin' bass you hear in hip hop, rap, and EDM? Well you can put that deep, biting bass into any kind of music — from classical, jazz, and rock to folk and Tejano — with an AudioControl Epicenter bass restoration processor. Most factory radios dial down bass response to protect flimsy speakers, so when you do add a subwoofer, there's no bass to play. The Epicenter will bring it back.

Kick up the bass

You like all the bumpin' bass you hear in hip hop, rap, and EDM? Well you can put that deep, biting bass into any kind of music — from classical, jazz, and rock to folk and Tejano — with an AudioControl Epicenter bass restoration processor. Most factory radios dial down bass response to protect flimsy speakers, so when you do add a subwoofer, there's no bass to play. The Epicenter will bring it back.

AudioControl's legendary Epicenter bass processor maximizes the low-frequency power and punch of your bass system, whether it's a simple powered bass tube or a full-blown competition setup. Simply install this processor between your receiver and your amplifiers or crossovers, and you'll finally be able to hear all the good bass you've been missing. An included wired remote lets you control the amount of thump from the front seat.

How does it do it?

Sophisticated processing analyzes the incoming signal and synthesizes low-bass fundamental tones, increasing bass response tremendously. The Epicenter connects to any receiver with preamp outputs — its balanced inputs will reject noise from your car's electrical system. A subsonic filter removes extreme low frequencies from your signal so your amps and subs will play more efficiently, while a single band ParaBass equalizer lets you fine-tune the bass tone.

Upgrade available

AudioControl's Epicenter bass restoration processing is also available in The Epicenter Micro, which features a compact chassis, high-level inputs, and selectable load resistors for better OEM factory system integration.

READ LESS

Product highlights:

  • bass restoration processor (white)
  • increases bass response from your system
  • 2-channel preamp inputs and outputs
  • Para-Bass controls adjust center-frequency and width of bass processing
  • fixed subsonic filter (33 Hz, 12/dB octave)
  • wired dash-mount bass remote
  • 8"W x 6-1/2"H x 1-3/16"D
  • frequency response: 10 to 100,000 Hz
  • weight: 1.7 pounds
  • warranty: 5 years
  • MFR # 8410191

What's in the box:

  • Pre-amp Bass Restoration Processor (white)
  • Remote dash mount control
  • 20' RJ-14 cable
  • Owner's manual
  • QC checklist

Customer reviews for The Epicenter® by AudioControl

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More details on the The Epicenter® by AudioControl

Russ B.

Product Research

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. The remote rotary knob allows you control how much bass is restored to the system. A full range signal is output from the Epicenter 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.

Bass Maximization: The Bass Maximization circuit allows The Epicenter to maximize the bass output of any system while restraining destructive bursts, which can damage speakers. the 5.0 volt factory setting can be changed to 2.5, 7.5, or 10 volts if the amplifier and speakers can handle it.

Remote: The bass restoration level is adjusted using the included wired remote. 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. Dimensions:

  • Width: 2.557"
  • Height: 1.489"
  • Depth: 1.824" (2.448" including knob)

Subsonic Filter: The subsonic filter crossover point is 33 Hz; it's governed by a replaceable chip, so it can be changed to 20, 25, 30, 35, 40, or 45 Hz.

Balanced Inputs: Using the balanced differential input circuit cancels noise picked up in the transmission line between the Epicenter 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 Block: The power/ground/remote terminal is removable; the wiring is attached to the block, then the block is plugged into the Epicenter.

Specifications:

  • Maximum Input Level: 15 volts RMS
  • Maximum Output Level: 9.5 volts RMS/13 volts peak
  • Frequency response: 10 Hz-100 kHz;±1dB
  • THD: 0.003%
  • S/N Ratio: 130dB
  • Balanced Input Noise Rejection: >60 dB
  • Input Impedance: 10 kΩ
  • Output Impedance: 150 ohms

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Customer Q&A

30 questions already asked

Q
Why would I need an epicenter as well as an LCI2? Doesn't the LCi2 pro do the same thing and more?
rob  Feb 22, 2024
1 answer
A
Greetings Robert. Great question, but they are not doing the same thing. They both restore bass, yes. The LC2i Pro has load generating chips in it for these newer vehicles that have a factory radio that needs to see a load. Removing speakers from that radios load causes signal problems with that radio. It also has speaker level in. The Epicenter uses RCA in, no speaker level in, but adds more features than the LC2i and LC2i Pro.
hogan  Feb 23, 2024 (Staff)
Q
the epicenter manual says to put the unit before a crossover however it says to put the dqdx unit which is a dsp/crossover/equalizer before the epicenter. Can you explain this? Also what do I do about the crossover on my head unit?
evan  Jan 08, 2024
1 answer
A
AudioControl's manual is a smidgen vague about what qualifies as a crossover in this scenario. The 2XS, which is used in their diagrams in the manual for the Epicenter, is an electronic crossover with a fixed 90Hz crossover point, which would potentially cause issues for the Epicenter. The DXDQ has an adjustable crossover point that can be set a little higher, which would alleviate any issues that something like the 2XS would present. As for your headunit crossover, I would recommend defeating it if possible depending on the model you're using so that the DQDX crossover can be used instead.
zachary  Jan 08, 2024 (Staff)
Q
The epicenter manual says to put the unit before a crossover, however it putting the DQDX DSP/equalizer/crossover before the epicenter. Can you explain this? Also should I turn the crossover off on my deck using the epicenter
audiofck  Jan 08, 2024
1 answer
A
The Epicenter can be used in a wide variety of applications, Evan. It can be installed after an equalizer but must be installed before a crossover per the installation manual. It is never a good idea to crossover an audio signal twice, so most folks that are running the epicenter or an external crossover will disable the crossover built into the radio.
bo  Jan 08, 2024 (Staff)
Q
How would I adjust the in side of the Epicenter with a CT Sounds 1500.1 D amplifier?
chris  Mar 31, 2023
1 answer
A
Greetings Chris, and thank you form your question. If you purchased the Epicenter from Crutchfield, you will have a direct technical support number on the copy of your shipping confirmation email. If you purchased this elsewhere, you can always contact Audio Control at 425-777-7723.
hogan  Apr 01, 2023 (Staff)
Q
I have a LC2i wired to my 12" sub currently. How would I wire this epicenter to it?
tom  Mar 25, 2023
1 answer
A
This classic Epicenter processor by AudioControl installs in between your LC2i and subwoofer amp, Tom. You will need to use a subwoofer amp with a built-in crossover as well. The Epicenter is one of the finest bass restoration processors available and is a sure-fire win if you want the best out of your system!
bo  Mar 25, 2023 (Staff)
Q
Hello!!! I would like to know exactly if this epicenter only restores original author low frequencies that for some reason was lost and/or creates low frequencies that were never originally created? Is it against audiophilia? Thank you!
enrique  Feb 08, 2023
1 answer
A
Greetings, and thank you for your question. Audio Controls intent is to reproduce low frequencies that have been taken away by factory radios. Mainly to protect the weak factory speakers from getting too much low bass and destroying the speakers. It is a process, so this is a processor as well. With any processor can there be some manipulation of a frequency or two that might not be on the original recording, of course, but that s not the intent here. Audiophiles want and need to hear all the frequencies of an original recording. If anything is against Audiophilia, it would be a factory vehicles radio.
hogan  Feb 08, 2023 (Staff)
Q
Hello!!! I would like to know exactly if this epicenter only restores original author low frequencies that for some reason was lost and/or creates low frequencies that were never originally created? Is it against audiophilia? Thank you.
enrique  Feb 08, 2023
1 answer
A
The Epicenter reproduces low frequency ranges so it can create notes that weren't originally noticed because the original system was cutting it off. It would open up the soundstage of what you are listening so you get the full immersion and low impact.
arielle  Feb 08, 2023 (Staff)
Q
If you add an on/off switch will it go into bypass when it's powered off so rap music for instance is not effected at all? Or will it stop the outputs with no power?
james  Dec 28, 2022
1 answer
A
It will turn completely off. The included remote knob would be the way to adjust the amount of bass restoration desired.
zachary  Dec 29, 2022 (Staff)
Q
Can this be used as a line output converter also?
jon  Nov 23, 2022
1 answer
A
No, it does not accept speaker level input. It only takes in preamp level audio. Our line output converters can be found here: https://www.crutchfield.com/g_721/Line-Out-Converters.html
jason  Nov 23, 2022 (Staff)
Q
Should the subsonic on the amplifer be at the lowest setting 10hz on my amp which has a 24db/octave. My epicenter has a pfm 25hz/18db chip. Both wide and sweep set at 12oclock position. Both subs and ported enclosure tuned for 32hz. Any thoughts would be appreciated on subsonic subject or any better suggestions?
james  Nov 01, 2022
1 answer
A
Greetings James, and thank you for your question. This is more set up/technical support related. If you purchase the Epicenter from Crutchfield, there is a tech support number to call in on your shipping confirmation email. If you purchased the Epicenter elsewhere, you can get the support you need directly from AudioControl by calling 425-775-8461.
hogan  Nov 02, 2022 (Staff)
Q
Do I hook up the rca from head unit to epicenter or from equalizer to epicenter?
matthew  Aug 29, 2022
1 answer
A
The Epicenter should be connected before the equalizer. In this situation, it would be ideal to go from the head unit to the Epicenter, then from the Epicenter to the equalizer.
zachary  Aug 29, 2022 (Staff)
Q
While I realize Audio Control says you should feed this thing a full range signal, I'm hoping I can cheat a little bit. My Alpine 172BT has an adjustable sub-out filter of 80-250 Hz which cannot be disabled. Since one octave below 250hz is still pretty high at 125hz,and sub is filtered at 80hz, would I still get desired reults with this unit? Surely someone has faced this issue before?
donald  Jul 09, 2022
1 answer
A
Greetings Donald, and thank you for your question. You will still get desired results with the Epicenter, however when getting a full range signal input, it is going to be looking at all the upper frequencies as well, and adding bass frequencies as needed. Without that full range in, your not getting 100% of the Epicenters capabilities.
hogan  Jul 10, 2022 (Staff)
Q
Do i need this unit with the audio control 1500 and audio control d4.800 amps i have both amps if so do i connect the epicenter to the rear RCA's of my aftermarket head unit's sub or Rear full range? Or does the d4.800 block the epicenters functions?Also when i turn the crossover on the 1500 to the highest setting so i can set sub frequencies from the d4.800 to the 1500 is the epicenter doing anything?
anthony  Jun 11, 2022
1 answer
A
The primary function of the Epicenter is to create deep bass frequencies that are not already present in a piece of music. This is a function that neither the LC-1.1500 nor the D-4.800 have built-in, so there is still a purpose for the Epicenter in your system if you want to add more bass to your music. Ideally the Epicenter will receive a full range signal, which you can get from the back of your headunit or from the line output of the D4.800.
zachary  Jun 12, 2022 (Staff)
Q
Is it his only used for the bass channels?
john  Mar 14, 2022
4 answers
A
Yes. Only used on the woofer/subwoofer side.
mike  Mar 15, 2022
A
Yea only for subwoofers
omar  Mar 14, 2022
A
Yes it is.
ricardo  Mar 14, 2022
A
Yes sir!
michael  Mar 14, 2022
Q
Can this be used for a powered sub?
bradley  May 13, 2021
3 answers
A
You should be able to. Just check if you can turn off your powered subs frequency settings.
ricardo  May 13, 2021
A
Yes. It only affects the low level (RCA) inputs.
mike  May 13, 2021
A
Absolutely not!!!..this one only give you extra bass signal to you system ..this is not a amplifier!!...you connect this between the stereo and the amplifier...
miguel  May 13, 2021
Q
I hear that these epicenter units are mainly for use with factory installed Stereos. Does this unit help with the source of the music such as albums that Were poorly mastered or mixed or mass produced slbums that kust font seem yo have much bass? Or it strictly yo correct thr editing of factory installed head units?
salvatore  Feb 13, 2021
2 answers
A
I have two vehicles I own with the epicenter installed with aftermarket head units. One vehicle has the in dash version and the other has the trunk mount version. I wouldn't install a system without one. Especially with compressed music like digital and poor recordings. You can really fine tune the bass response for clean elegant response or you can get crazy and go as low as you want. Love them both. Hope this helps.
ricardo  Feb 13, 2021
A
I'm pretty sure that epicenters description of this item is exactly what you are describing. It restores the bass that was removed in the editing process when the music was created. That's why I got mine.
nathan  Feb 13, 2021
Q
I'm still using my factory head unit which doesn't have any pre-outs. I am running my sub amp inputs from a simple line-output converter that uses speaker level inputs and changes it to a RCA cable outputs. The bass seems kind of "muddy" for most music (not clear, crisp, and defined seperate from the door speakers) and I have tried tuning different frequencies, but can't get the control I want. I think this product will help me with that, but can it be used from a speaker level line output converter like I have set up?
brandon  Jan 29, 2021
2 answers
A
If you purchased the product from Crutchfield, feel free to contact our Tech Support team. 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  Feb 12, 2021 (Staff)
A
Have you made sure that your ground has a clean good connection on your amp and make sure the output addons has good connection as well. I w q s having issues with my system doing the same thing and it was my ground on my.amp.
raymond  Jan 29, 2021
Q
I already have a DQ-61, will this help out my subwoofers sound better?
frank  Jul 20, 2020
2 answers
A
Yes, if you take the subwoofer rca outputs and plug them into the Epicenter then your sun amp it will work. Look at the DQ61 manual, it shows a picture on how to install with Epicenter on DQ61.
michael  Aug 26, 2020
A
Nope
sean  Jul 20, 2020
Q
I already have an amp in my trunk. Where do get power from? Do I use a distribution block to get the epicenter 12v power?
jeffrey  Jun 29, 2020
3 answers
A
The epicenter is not a high power device, it does not require a high amp power source like your amp. Mine is tied into the same batt and ign feed as my Eq and head unit. You can also go directly to the fuse panel.
mike  Jul 04, 2020
A
You not have to put a distribution block..the epicenter no need to much power ..all you need bring 3 wires from your amp to the epicenter..the ground,the remote and the ground!!
miguel  Jul 03, 2020
A
Yes. Just use a splitter.
thomas  Jul 03, 2020
Q
Do I need this if I'm going to be running the LC7i already ?
bassforme  Jul 24, 2019
1 answer
A
You only need the Epicenter if your going to listen to music that lacks bass information. If you listen to Rap it is way over board in the bass with all of the settings at minimum. If I had to do it over again I would bag the epicenter and just use your crossover. Your LC7I should sound great without it I'm thinking.
guy  Jul 24, 2019
Q
Is the subsonic filter only active when the Epicenter is actually turned on?
tony  Jan 24, 2018
2 answers
A
Yes that's correct.
sixtus  Jan 24, 2018
A
The subsonic filter is on all the time even if the Epicenter's processing is not being used. The PFM subsonic filter shipped with the Epicenter is set at 33 Hz. Sounds below 33 Hz will still play but at a decreasing volume as lower the sound . You can buy PFM filter chips from Audiocontrol directly by going to the AC website, clicking on "CAR" at the top, scroll down to "ACCESSORIES", and then click on "MODULES", and finally clicking on the "Buy Now" link on the blue line at the top. You have to pick the 18 dB/Octave choice for the Epicenter. The 24 dB/octave choice is for AC crossovers. Frequencies from 15 Hz and up are available and cost $10 each plus S+H.
charles  Jan 24, 2018
Q
Does this product help to add the missing bass to the car door speakers? Only reason im looking at this is to improve my speakers. I have two 12 subs. I dont need sub bass. I want speaker bass.
nicholas  Aug 22, 2017
3 answers
A
You want more bass out of your door speakers? What crossover is used for them? Are they big enough to produce what you're looking for? The Epicenter adds bass back into music that may have been removed when converted to MP3 or during studio recording, etc. Most of what it adds to the music is in the sub bass range. This product doesn't necessarily add more volume throughout the sub bass range, only at the frequencies where it's been taken out. Audiocontrol's website has a great explanation of what it does and at what frequencies.
charlie  Aug 23, 2017
A
Not unless your door speakers are hooked up to your power amp, in which case I would recommend an LQ7 or LQ9 it lets you control the sound all around to your preference.
antonio  Aug 22, 2017
A
No, this will not get more bass into your door speakers. You are looking for more midbass, which is typically between 50-250 Hz. The Epicenter works its magic mostly under 50Hz. What you need is dedicated midbass speakers that are at least 6-1/2 inches in diameter or larger and have plenty of amplifier wattage powering them to get good midbass out of the door locations. There are other tricks to improve your midbass like adding sound damping materials to the doors and sealing all holes in the door. Search Youtube for videos on how to improve your midbass. Here are a couple of videos to get you started: 1. https://youtu.be/S7WKCFHGwRY 2. https://youtu.be/h3EXuHlBy4M Hope this helps.
charles  Aug 22, 2017
Q
I recently installed a epicenter ,,I was wondering does the in dash remote adjust the level of bass,,it seems I have no room to dial it down,, is this normal?
chad  Feb 26, 2022
2 answers
A
No it doesn't adjust the bass level. The epicenter knob control lets you restore the bass some type of music has it removed. For example 80s or even Spanish music. I set the bass level at the Amp or the stereo's EQ also the epicenter setting I have it about a 1/4 on the sweep and 1/5 on the wide.
daniel  Mar 03, 2022
A
You have to install the remote knob to adjust the volume of the bass
william  Mar 02, 2022
Q
Can it be used for a powered bazooka tube ?.
bradley  Feb 19, 2021
2 answers
A
Yes. Amazing product too
john  Feb 19, 2021
A
Yeah
sean  Feb 19, 2021
Q
Does the Epicenter also act as the 9.5V RMS line driver or is it necessary to play an Overdrive in front of the Epicenter?
matthew  Mar 31, 2017
1 answer
A
The Epicenter can provide up to a 9.5volt signal output so, an external line drivers is not required. I hope that helps. My Bio: https://www.crutchfield.com/Support/Bio.aspx?bio=5
ryan  Apr 06, 2017 (Staff)
Q
Where do I connect the epicenter's rca's to the Headunit.. Sub out or rear out "full range".?? Or do I connect them on sub out and adjust the Headunit's settings to full range. Or is it the other way around. Please help.
edgar  Jan 08, 2016
1 answer
A
Edgar, I haven't hooked it up as of yet. The instructions note that you should hook it to the full range output before any crossovers. If your sub amp has an internal crossover, then I would set the head unit output to full range and make the frequency cut at the amp. I hope this helps. Thanks,
john  Jan 08, 2016
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