AudioControl LC2i 2-channel line output converter for adding amps to your factory system

Must one run remote power to this? What gauge wire should be used?

The adjustments control the 2XS signal output to your power amplifiers. The circuitry provides output level control to drive any power amplifier wirh up to 9.5 volts of input signal, which helps achieve maximun signal to noise ratio. Please note: the output of the 2XS is proportional to the input it receives. At aproximatly 5.6v the 2XS the should produce its rated 9.5v of output. Any less input voltage and output will dcrease. Output status leds Power: indicates when the 2XS is turned on, 3 volts: light up when there is 3 volts RMS present at the 2XS output jacks.this is more than enough to drive must amplifiers, so check your amplfier's manual to make sure the amp can handle it. 1 volt: displays when there is 1 volt RMS present at the 2XS output jacks.

israel May 30, 2016

brent Jan 03, 2016

I want to put this in series between my head unit and a 4-channel amp for my door speakers. Can I combine both left speakers into one channel and both right into the second channel? Or do I need a 6-channel line output? Why isn't there a 4-channel?

Yes, it needs remote power. I used 12 gauge but you can use 10 ga. All its really doing is converting the speaker wire cable into rca jack cable.

derek Jan 04, 2016

You can hook the remote wire to power antenna on your stereo or two a terminal in your fuse box that only comes on when your vehicle key is in the accessory or on position. You can use as small as 18 gauge wire, I used 14 gauge since that was what I had available. The other power wire needs to be attached using 14 or 12 gauge wire. This is not really an amplifier so you do not need anything larger. If you have to, You can just use one power wire that comes on in the accessory position and use a jumper wire from that power to the remote power.

jonathan Jan 04, 2016

actiondan Dec 26, 2015

Hello, do u have a diagram to how hook this unit with a oem radio, 2 channel amp and component speakers?

You can if you bridge your 4 channel amp to 2 channel and wire your speaker in parallel to bring them down to 2ohms if they are 4ohms. Remember that you won't have front rear level control just right left.

jean Dec 28, 2015

You will lose fader control from front to rear speakers. You only need to get signal from either front or rear speakers, not both. Get the 6 channel, you will have more flexability and be ready for your sub.

daniel Dec 28, 2015

david Dec 08, 2015

how would you install this to add a 1 channel amp + sub in a 2015 vw golf with the stock base model touch screen head unit?

Basically in my 2009 ToyCam I took the two rear speaker paired wires and connect them to the LC2i inputs, to do this - leave the factory rear speakers connected and splice into them - determine the positive and native leads for each left and right rear speakers by researching your specific vehicle. Connect to the positive line of the left rear using similar type wire (matching gauge [thickness] and strand type) into the input block of the LC2i, repeat the process for the negative feed. Use electrical tape or shrink tubing to cover all exposed bare wires that have lost their insulation or plastic coating. Repeat the process for the right speaker feeds. I have one sub with an amp, which has an RCA type connector feeding the AMP input. Interesting for my SUB install l used a home audio JBL sub which no longer worked because the 110v internal AMP burned out, I determined that it had a 75 max input, so i purchased a JVC 75 watt Amp with a bridged output capability, allowing it to be a mono output, from Cruchfield. I removed the 110v AMP and externally mounted the JVC Amp on the out side of the sub and wired the sub inputs to the mono output on the JVC AMP then connected the JVC mono input line by the RCA patch cord to the output of the LC2i - sounds great!! - hope this helps

doug Dec 08, 2015

zach Sep 16, 2015

1) Installing this in an ACURA 2012 TL with new amps and subs. Using this product will help me keep the navigation system and other features correct ? 2) Should I tap in the front speakers or rear speaker or Factory sub? There are conflicting answers here ? and what about turning the amp off/on ?

We have not received any answers from other customers on your question. I would recommend reaching out to an Advisor by phone (1-800-324-9695) or online chat. They should be able to help answer your question.

kristina Sep 18, 2015 (Staff)

shwet Aug 11, 2015

Is there a low pass filter on this? I can't get my sub to hit above 55 hz like it used to before this. Messing with my amp's lpf won't help. I have the gain almost all the way down, accu bass up, very little bass on LC2I, threshold set clockwise. I'm losing anything from 55 hz and up on the sub and nothing below 35 hz so my sub now only plays in a range of 20 hz difference.

For details on fit or installation please contact an Advisor by phone (1-800-324-9695) or online chat. They will be able to pull up your vehicle and give you the details on if this will fit and what you will need for an installation in your vehicle.

kristina Aug 12, 2015 (Staff)

tony Jul 06, 2015

I just purchased 3 CVR 10's and a D2400 amp for my 2013 Fusion with factory head unit. I was extremely disappointed with the output. I thought 3 10's and 2400 watts would be VERY LOUD.... The guy at the shop said I need the LC2.. Would the LC2 work well with this set up? Am I limited to 400 watts RMS with this?

No, this does not have a subsonic filter or any crossove built in. The accubass feature is mainly to compensate for the factory systems that cut the lower bass at higher sound levels. This is a high quality piece, I've used it in two installs so far. I would turn off the accubass off, then start tuning your amp after that.

juan Jul 07, 2015

johnny Mar 06, 2015

I installed an lc2i in my 2013 Accord EX-L with Nav with a pioneer amp and sub. I tapped into the stock sub wiring and I have to say that so far I'm pretty unhappy. The bass is loose and boomy and seems to hit late. What I mean is that when I'm listening to music with thundering, fast, double bass the sub doesn't hit in time with the high end click (which it should because it's the same instrument). Also it feels like the low end of the bass guitar bleeds into the sub as well, when it shouldnt. I've played with the crossover setting on 5 he amp and the accubass control of the lc2i and still can't seem to get decent results. I've had subs in many cars I've owned in the past and never had this problem (playing the exact same songs through other systems). So I'm not sure if this is a result of the factory amp crossover point, or maybe the fact that I'm running the mono factory sub output from the factory amp into both the left and right input of the lc2i, or maybe I should be tapping the rear speakers instead of the sub? I'd prefer not to do the latter because then I lose the sub control built into the factory head unit. Maybe it's the sub and amp I'm using now, but I kind of doubt it. I heard the same amp and sub in a car at a local stereo shop and it sounded great. Oh and yes I have disabled the ANC in the Accord as well. Looking for some suggestions before I go down the road of trial and error. Thanks! :-)

Well lets see here. The LC2i can be used with any amount RMS amp. The 400 watts power handling it is talking about is what can be input into the lc2i. Your stock speakers where you catch the signal will only be putting out about 25-50 watts, so you are good there. All the lc2i is doing is converting signal to rca where your amp can be hooked up to it, but its better than a cheap line out converter because it boosts the volts going to your aftermarket amp. It is great and i highly recommend it. Your amp, (Massive audio?), is only rated at 1200 watts rms at 1ohm, 650 at 2ohm, and 350 at 4ohm. You can never go by peak power, that number is pretty much irrelevant. So you have 3 kicker cvr's in either dual 2ohm or dual 4ohm version. If you have the dual 2ohm, and if they are all wired together correctly, you will have a 3ohm load at the amp. And at 3 ohms your amp is only putting out about 500watts RMS. Your subs are rated up to 400watts RMS each.. So you are only getting about 165 watts to each speaker, thats not going to thump too loud. If they are the dual 4ohm version, then you still only have 2.7ohm load at the amp, which is going to give about 600 watts rms. Thats still only 200 watts to each sub. It honestly would probably thump harder with only 2 subs, depending on which dvc ohm version you have, because you are robbing power from them by adding in a third sub and not having the amp large enough to push all of them efficiently. Check out this link for sub wiring diagram. http://www.crutchfield.com/S-uvMAEvjrghx/learn/learningcenter/car/subwoofers_wiring.html

cody Mar 07, 2015

How Is your amp connected to your head unit?

doug Mar 06, 2015

tom Jan 02, 2015

I have a GMC Sierra Extended cab with factory Bose and would like to use this item. My question is, do I tap into the front speakers after the sub or fronts? Also, just one side like the passenger side or both sides?

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. You can also post your question in our forums: http://community.crutchfield.com. Or try our online support center: http://crutchfield.custhelp.com/app/answers/list/kw/.

jeff Jan 05, 2015 (Staff)

timothy Dec 23, 2014

I'm hooking up the lc2i in a 2010 Nissan Maxima with factory Bose color screen without Nav. My question is when I tap into my wires would I tap into the rear deck subs or the rear speakers? Also would I tap the wires before they get to the factory amp or after they leave the factory amp? Thanks

kristina Dec 24, 2014 (Staff)

Sorry, forgot to include model year. it's a 2011 GMC Sierra EXT

timothy Dec 23, 2014

aaron Dec 17, 2014

I have a Wrangler JK, and I bought a pair of kicker components, pair of coaxials, an 8" sub and Alpine PDR-V75 amp. Could I plug this LC2i before the amp and benefit all of this with splitters before the 5 channel amp? How about only using the bass output -> 5 channel amp -> sub or using also the main output for at least the components or coaxials and the bass output as mentioned? Leaving a pair without the benefit of this converter but still plug-in into the amp.

Rear speakers, after, mine works great it was an answer to a big problem I had.

richard Jul 29, 2015

Rear speakers.., after they leave the factory amp..

danny Dec 20, 2014

vicko zlosilo Dec 16, 2014

Can I parallel the main outputs into a 4 channel amp? Would this degrade the signal sent from this unit, or compromise its compatibility with the pre-amp input of the power amp?

Quite a lot of choices you have listed. I will tell you what I did with mine, and hopefully that will help guide you. I tied off the input to the 6" speakers in the roll bar sound bar, to the inputs of the converter. From there I went to the inputs of a 2 channel / 1000W amp. From there to a Rockford Fosgate sub box with dual 12's. Because of the limited capacity for power that the factory speakers (6) can handle, I left them on the power from the factory deck. Sub hits hard, and highs are good, especially with the factory super tweets.

marc l Dec 18, 2014

I have a JK also and I used the LC2i so I didn't have to remove the receiver. I installed it before 2 amps and 2 12" subs by splicing into the OEM subs wiring. Once set the LC2i let me increase the volume on both amps at the same time. The OEM amp in my JK is good enough for the components so I used the LC2i just for bass. The LC2i is designed just for amp installation with OEM receiver. Once installed use amp per instructions.

doug Dec 17, 2014

Theoretically you could, but it would be better and easier to just go with the lc6i or lc7i. The lc2i will only provide you with 2 channels/outputs.

byron Dec 17, 2014

roy Nov 28, 2014

I am planning on buying this for a 2011 hyundai elantra, what cables do I need for it to plug into the back of the factory radio?

I forwarded your question to an Advisor and they responded with the following: I would not recommend turning a 2-channel line output converter into a 4-channel line output converter via splitters. If you need to hook up more than 2-channels and still need a line output converter then I would recommend this unit by AudioControl. If you would like to discuss further you can contact an Advisor directly by phone (1-800-324-9695) or online chat.

kristina Dec 01, 2014 (Staff)

houston Nov 16, 2014

I am using this with a 300 watt 12" Rockford Fosgate Powered subwoofer. This powered sub has a remote level knob. I see this also has that option. Is there any advantage to being able to adjust the levels for this as well? THe main reason that I got this was to compensate for bass roll-off, but the description leads me to believe the knob controls signal lever (similar to an Epicenter) rather than just sub volume? Expert opinions anyone? Thanks in advance!

Power and Ground wires, plus a turn on lead and two of your speaker channels from your factory head unit for your inputs and RCA cables to your amp or amps for outputs.

john Nov 21, 2014

i used the lc2i to replace my facoty sub and add a amp. so i just used the leads going into the factory sub itself then from the 2i to the amp then sub. great little piece for what i used it for works very well, but audio control makes great electroincs

troy Nov 16, 2014

kristina Nov 16, 2014 (Staff)

james Nov 13, 2014

I am planning on tapping in on my rear driver side speaker but I have two concerns.. 1: will tapping in here as opposed to behind my factory radio cause any kind of noise or static? I have heard it is better to tap in as close to the factory head unit as possible. 2: Will tapping in on my rear driver side speaker cause any kind of resistance change that will end up making that rear driver side speaker quieter? Thank you

More gain to the subwoofer having two remote level adjustments.

john Nov 21, 2014

I believe the remote level knob is to boost frequencies around 35-45 Hz to give a little extra bass. Definitely worth the $30 to add.

basil Nov 18, 2014

Sounds like you have what you need. The AccuBase control is what corrects the Roll-off. The Remote lead is for the Bass control just like the one on your powered unit and can be optionally installed for those who do not have a remote off their amps. You're better off Tuning this to meet the max threshold your Amp needs, tune your amp, and only use the Amp remote for any quick tweaks. Otherwise, you may not reach full potential since it probably functions similar to a radio Bass setting OR worse yet...it throttles the voltage. Take a meter to it to if still uncertain.

lyle Nov 18, 2014

kyle Aug 22, 2014

4 answers

I used the LC2i in a 2014 Subaru Forester. It is connected to the front 2 speaker wires behind the stock radio. I used rca cables to feed a Rockford Fosgate P500X4D 4 channel amp. The front channels of the amp power a pair of Focal 165 KRX2 separate speakers mounted in the stock locations via the factory speaker wiring and the rear channels are bridged to feed a JL Audio CP108LG sub woofer under/behind the drivers seat. Since it was a new car, I paid a local specialty shop to do the install and line the front doors with Rattle Trap FatMat. The sound of a CD in the stock head unit is phenomenal but, this is also a function of the speakers and amp. In this configuration, I mute the rear channels. The LC2I does not add any static or color the sound. I would rate the unit 5 stars. If you are planning to add the LC2i to the rear speakers and expect the head unit to power both the rear speakers and the output of the LC2i, I would expect the rear speakers to have less output. You should use the LC2i to feed an amp which would then power the rear speakers and a sub similar to the setup I used. Hope this helps. The LC2i is a great little unit and I thank those on this site who positively reviewed it.

mark Aug 24, 2014

Ok thanks Jason, I'll be sure to ground it properly. Does this unit require a 12V constant?

kyle Aug 22, 2014

in my experience with this particular product hooking closer to the speaker did not present any kind of an issue such as static and/or reducing the level from that speaker. I must say this product is very much worth the price, works beautifully. One note i may mention is to make sure you are hooking the lc2i to a non filtered speaker supply, meaning if it is a component style speaker system with a seperate tweeter from the woofer the connection must be made to the full range feed (woofer). I have also found that hooking two speaker inputs to the lc2i that are on the same channel (both left and right from either the front or rear) works best being that certain music notes may not be reproduced on just one side of the cahnel. Hope you find this helpful!

joel b Aug 22, 2014

I used the LC2i to add 2 - 12" subs and I tapped into my rear left and right speakers and didn't notice that it quieted down my rear speakers. Technically I guess it could have quieted them down but my main concern was being able to keep my factory radio and keeping everything looking clean up front. The bass was pretty amazing. Just make sure you ground everything good and I think you'll be pleased with the LC2i.

jason Aug 22, 2014

I have a 2014 Civic Si with a factory free air sub. I want to add an amp and some subs with the easiest set-up. I understand that this product (while acting as a LOC) can be used to add my aftermarket sub and amp, where do people tap to get the constant 12v power? The cheaper LOC's (i.e. by Schosche) have similar options. What would be the advantage of me using this as a LOC to add my Sub/Amp combo versus the cheaper alternative(s)?

curtis Aug 18, 2014

6 answers

As long as you have good connections to your amp, good power wire and good ground, you can tap into the power and ground on your amp. As far as being better than the cheaper versions, I haven't used cheaper but this has output level adjustments which come in handy. You may get a small pop sound when it shuts off your system. For the price it's not a bad LOC.

brian Aug 19, 2014

You still have to run a power wire for your amp, so this unit gets its power from the amp. I purchased one of these about a year ago and it was an amazing product until the remote terminal stopped working after a week. What this unit does is give full power after tapping into the line level inputs (speakers). Cheaper LOC's give you a very reduced voltage. this was a Great product till it went bad. I never returned it because the sub box was too big for my trunk anyway. (And I'm lazy. lol) Occasinaly you will get a product that has an issue right after you get it, but it is rare. And from what I hear Crutchfield has amazing customer service if you have an issue, so I would reccoment this product to anyone. Good luck!

ian Aug 19, 2014

There are many place you could tap the 12v too. I would tap it to my fuse box (that has a 12v signal with shut off) like your radio fuse. That way it don't drain your battery once the vehicle is turn off. Or connect it to your amp remote turn on wire. The advantage from the LC2i is, it better quality, Handle high rms from the source your pulling the sounds from, adjustable and it does not get burnt. I did have a schoshe and other brand, they just burnt/fry after a few month due to poor quality that built inside. Can't go wrong with LC2i. Might be expensive compare to other BUT think about it. Would you rather do it once and have a item that last you for years to come or you wanna be cheap and buy junk that last few months and die. That would mean you have to take it apart and waste more time and money that is not worth it. At the end you might pay more then the LC2i. LC2i is a great investment!!! Buy it!!! -Son

son Aug 18, 2014

I initially tried to add an amp and sub to factory headunit. Without a LOC, it just didn't get enough signal to make the sub sound good at all. Then I did a lot of research and got the audiocontrol LOC. What a huge improvement! You'll need to research how to tap into your 12v- google search through forums. This LOC is far superior to those cheap ones. This one can do so much more with ensuring level base sound at all volumes and is very adjustable. I wouldn't even consider the cheap alternative.

david Aug 18, 2014

Any ignition-tied 12v source will work (only want it on when the car/radio is on). A good place for power is the factory radio power supply. That way, if you have a system where the radio stays on until you open a door, the LOC will remain active. The main benefit of this particular LOC is its power handling (400 watts). This is very helpful when trying to tap off a signal from a factory-amplified subwoofer. Most LOCs cannot handle the higher power the factory amp will put out. Some would ask why they can't just tap off the signal BEFORE the factory amp. In some cases you can, but in others, the volume for the subs is modulated by the amp. So if you were to make the connection pre-factory-amplifier, the sub's volume may not adjust with the system volume.

juli Aug 18, 2014

I had a difficult time with that product. I never got it to work properly. I kept getting a ground loop noise until I took it out of my system all together and used the high level inputs that came on my amp

daren Aug 18, 2014

I'm planning on purchasing this device for a 2014 honda civic. The honda does not come with an OEM Subwoofer. What wires would I use to get the signal from the stereo to send to an amp to add a sub? And if it is from one of the speakers, would that affect anything to the speaker?

raul p Aug 15, 2014

I've been doing my homework on this product for a couple of days now... i just got a system installed in my wrangler and i have an issue with not being able to just adjust the sub by itself. i noticed when i tune bass or treble it changes for the subs and the inside speakers.. So my question is would this device help me control the inside speakers and sub separate? i want my inside speakers to stay clear not distorted. Thanks in advance

kristina Aug 16, 2014 (Staff)

t. king Aug 14, 2014

4 answers

Your adjusting the bass of your factory speakers if you get the remote you will have more adjusting capablity

gabriel Aug 17, 2014

It would, I would suggest you turn the bass setting lower for the speakers inside and then use this unit to make sure you are still getting all the low end notes, if you want to keep the same tuning for notes but want to adjust the power of your subs I would highly recommend a remote for your sub amp also.

craig Aug 17, 2014

This is a good product for what you need. It will handle the low freq for the sub and keep your interior speakers playing the upper range freq. hope that helps.

reginald Aug 17, 2014

Is your amp turned to LPF?. There should be a switch on your sub amp that says something like LPF/HPF. Needs to be switched to LPF. If you are getting music through the subs, not just bass, you probably need to adjust your amp. This unit helps boost the signal going to the amp and gives the sub more clean power than just a regular cheap line out converter. This unit is only used with the stock radio. Your stock radio will still control tuning on all speakers, including the sub. But you can set the bass higher with the lc2i, and pretty much turn the bass all the way off on your headunit.

cody Aug 17, 2014

I bought an lc2i and installed, hooked up amp and subs everything was working good just like it should then I lost power to the lc2i and can not get power back to it...I have run a power from the battery to lc2i and still nothing....any advise. ...????

jeremy jacoby Aug 11, 2014

I have a 2013 ford focus se and I want to put in a 2 channel amp but I want to bridge the amp to the subwoofer. I understand what the LC2i does I just want to know if I need it while using the factory headunit? I looked it up on YouTube and the guy lost me at the while wiring part behind the dash. So can someone please help!!

kristina Aug 12, 2014 (Staff)

aaron staubs Jul 15, 2014

The LC2i has a GTO circuit that acts as a remote turn on, and it requires a 12v constant. I plan on using the switched power from the wire harness to power the lc2i. Reading the owners manual, suggests you can turn the GTO off. Can I turn the GTO off and use the switched power to turn the lc2i on and off?

The inline converter listed here takes your high output factory deck and steps down the output to clear the signal up before sending it to an amp. I bought this to use with my Jeep Wrangler factory deck, and am using a 1000W amp to a Rockford Fosgate sub box. I am very satisfied with it's performance and would recommend it to you.

marc l Jul 17, 2014

If you want to keep all factory controls functioning as they are and if you want a better/ cleaner signal to amp/ pre-amp, use the line converter. Additionally, some factory head units deliver substandard bass signals to protect cheap speakers (on some models). Again, if you want a solid bass response, the LC2i does the job. I paired this with a powered sub and factory head unit from Chrysler (MyGig RER) and it sounded great. Really can't go wrong for $100.

mark Jul 15, 2014

Yes you need it while utilizing the factory head unit because your factory head unit doesn't have the pre amp output the LCi2 does

gabriel Jul 15, 2014

chris Jun 11, 2014

Everyone seems to be purchasing this item to add a sub/amp. I have a 2010 F150 Screw with the Sony system and all i want to do is keep my factory sony bass from rolling off. Is this the product for me?

I forwarded your question to an Advisor and they responded with the following: If you choose to bypass the GTO circuit, you will need to run a switched lead to the Remote In terminal. I would recommend a constant circuit be used for the + 12 V terminal. This is how it would have been wired in the "good old days", before head units had a turn on lead. If you would like to discuss further you can contact an Advisor directly by phone (1-800-324-9695) or online chat.

kristina Jun 13, 2014 (Staff)

michael Mar 28, 2014

I have a 2013 gmc sierra with a boss system ive tried everything no bass. what do I need to do?

This is a really nice unit. I installed into a BMW 330i because I wanted to add in an older bazooka tube with an older amp I had. The processor keeps the bass appropriately up for the volume range. The end result is the bass is heard with the volume down and it isn't distorting with the volume up. I'm impressed with just how good it made this old gear sound.

david Mar 31, 2014

its a sony sub/amp from factory

michael Mar 28, 2014

daniel Feb 25, 2014

I replaced my factory door speakers, however now I need more power for them to sound good. I want to keep my factory HU and I do not plan on adding a sub. Is this the processor I am looking for when I want to add an amp to my existing sub-free system (factory low power HU and 4 new Polk 6.5" door speakers)?

jeff Feb 25, 2014 (Staff)

zach Jan 30, 2014

Ao it says 400 watt rms on it, you can still hook up a 1000 watt amp, right?

The LC2i should work great in that application. The only drawback is that you will not have a fader. You can install a dual amp balancer or an EQ to to get fade control.

mitchell Feb 13, 2014

Zach, installed this unit in an 08 Avalanche with factory premium Bose/Nav HU. I added an amp and sub to my factory unit using the LC2i. Simply tapped into the factory rear speakers, and powered the amp and sub. The set up gave me what I was looking for without losing the control functions from my factory HU. No regrets on my end. I feel I get most of this stuff, but I do admittedly get stumped with installation and set up at times. I've purchased a few items from the folks at Crutchfield, and their tech support has been great to work with. Don't hesitate to reach out to them...

daniel Feb 04, 2014

jeff Feb 01, 2014 (Staff)

kyle Jan 26, 2014