Audio Control D-4.800 User manual

Quick Start Guide
Features
• 2/3/4 high power amplier channels
• 4x 125 W @ 4Ω, 4x 200 W @ 2Ω, 2x 400 W @ 4Ω Bridged
• Smart User Interface software included
• Input and Output RTA for precise and informed tuning
• GTO™ Signal Sensing (ch 1-2)
• MILC™ Clip Detection (ch 1-2)
• AccuBASS®
• Signal Summing
• Signal Delay
• 12 and 24 dB/octave crossovers
• 30 band equalizer
• Optional ACR-3 remote for preset recall and level control
• Solid and Rugged Chassis
• Pine Scented DSP
High Power Multi Channel Amplier
with DSP Matrix Processor

2
Quick Start Guide
Important Safety Instructions
1. Read these instructions.
2. Keep these instructions.
3. Heed all warnings.
4. Follow all instructions.
5. Do not use this apparatus near water.
6. Clean only with a dry cloth.
7. Do not block any ventilation openings. Install in accordance with the
manufacturer’s instructions.
8. Do not install near any heat sources such as muers, silencers, exhaust
pipes, or other apparatus (including ampliers) that produce heat.
9. WARNING: Improper installation may lead to permanent injury or death.
Installation of the apparatus must be done with great care by qualied
personnel, to prevent damage to fuel lines, power, and other electrical
wiring, hydraulic brake lines, and other systems, that might compromise
vehicle safety.
10. Provide +12V and Ground insulated wiring of between 8 and 3 AWG to
ensure adequate current to the amplier.
11. Use rubber grommets to protect wiring whenever passing wires through
metal openings or bulkheads.
12. Only use attachments/accessories specied by the manufacturer.
13. Refer all servicing to qualied service personnel. Servicing is required
when the apparatus has been damaged in any way, such as the power in-
put terminals are damaged, liquid has been spilled or objects have fallen
into the apparatus, the apparatus has been exposed to rain or moisture,
does not operate normally, or has been dropped.
14. This apparatus shall not be exposed to dripping or splashing, and no
object lled with liquids, shall be placed on the apparatus.
15. Fuses shall be replaced only with the correct type and fuse value, and
only when the apparatus is powered o.
16. Exposure to high sound pressure levels may lead to permanent hearing
loss. Take every precaution to protect your hearing.
The lightning ash with arrowhead symbol within an equilateral
triangle is intended to alert the user to the presence of uninsulated
“dangerous voltage”within the product’s enclosure, that may be of
sucient magnitude to constitute a risk of electric shock to persons.
The exclamation point within an equilateral triangle is intended to
alert the user of the presence of important operating and mainte-
nance (servicing) instructions in the literature accompanying the
appliance.
Caution: to reduce the risk of electric shock, do
not disassemble the apparatus, other than to
remove the top panel to access the controls.
There are no user-serviceable parts inside. Refer
servicing to qualied personnel.
Recycling notice: If the time comes and this apparatus has fullled
its destiny, do not throw it out into the trash. It has to be carefully
recycled for the good of mankind, by a facility specially equipped
for the safe recycling of electronic apparatii. Please contact your
local or state recycling leaders for assistance in locating a suitable
nearby recycling facility. Or, contact us and we might be able to
repair it for you.

3
1. Fuses 40A – Replace these fuses only with the exact same style
and Ampere rating. Disconnect 12V power before changing or
inspecting the fuses.
2. Power Input Terminal +12V – The left screw terminal connects
to the +12V battery binding post of the vehicle. Use good quality
insulated wire, between 8 and 3 gauge.
Power Input Terminal Ground – The right screw terminal con-
nects to a good ground connection on the vehicle. Use good qual-
ity insulated wire, between 8 and 3 gauge.
Remote Power Input Terminal – The middle screw terminal
connects to the 12V remote trigger output of some head units.
When the head unit is turned on, then the D-4.800 will turn on.
Alternatively, you can use the GTO™ feature of the D-4.800 so it
will turn on when an audio signal is detected at the speaker-level
or line-level inputs of channels 1-2 (front).
3. RCA Analog Line-Level Inputs – The line-level output from the
head unit or factory-installed radios can connect here, so the
D-4.800 will receive the line-level audio signals.
4. RCA Analog Line-Level Outputs – These line-level analog
outputs from the D-4.800 connect to the line-level inputs of your
power ampliers and other equipment. The matrix capabilities of
the D-4.800 allow you to pick and choose the outputs from any
combination of inputs, add crossovers and EQ as required.
5. Speaker-Level Inputs – The speaker-level output from ampliers
and factory installed radios can connect here, so the D-4.800 will
receive the audio signals this way and do its thing. Make sure that
you follow the plus and minus polarity markings on the D-4.800
and match it to the polarity of the speaker wiring. Speaker-level
Inputs 1-2 have the GTO™ (great turn on) signal-sense circuit that
will awaken the D-4.800 when an input signal is present.
Features
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4
Quick Start Guide
6. USB Micro Connector – This connects to the USB A port of your
computer in order to use the control software to congure the
D-4.800.
7. Remote Control Connector – This connects to the optional
ACR-3 remote level control using a standard telephone cord and
connectors.
8. Speaker-Level Output Terminals – These screw terminals
connect with speaker wire to your loudspeakers. Make sure that
the average combined speaker impedance does not dip below 2
Ohms, or 4 Ohms in Bridged mode. Outputs 1 and 2 can be com-
bined in Bridge mode to power a single speaker. Use the 1+ and
2- terminals only. Outputs 3 and 4 can also be combined in bridge
mode, use the 3+ and 4- terminals only.
9. Power LED – If you have connected your battery power, vehicle
ground, and turn-on lead (or GTO™ signal sensing) correctly, then
this light should be GREEN to indicate the power is ON. An inter-
nal blue glow will also emanate from the heatsink area to indicate
that the power is ON. There are times when this blue glow will
ash, such as during power-up, and when the protection circuits
have detected a problem. See the table below.
10. Protection LED – The D-4.800 amplier has built in diagnostic
codes to tell you exactly what is going wrong should the amplier
detect a problem. Below is a list of diagnostic codes to help you
understand what is going on with your amplier:
If the protection LED should come on, read the red codes quickly
before turning o the system and investigating. Shorts, like
Features continued
crushed-velvet hot pants, are not a good thing. Note that the blue
power codes mentioned in the table are for the internal blue glow
from behind the heatsink area, and not the power LED which is
green. You might not notice the subtle blue glow at rst, unless
you are in the dark or the shade. If there seems to be a prob-
lem with the unit, the sensing circuit will shut down the unit to
protect itself, and this protection LED will come on. For example,
this might happen if the temperature within the unit is too high.
Check there is good ventilation around the unit, and that the
speaker wires are not short circuiting, and check that you are not
running too low of a speaker impedance.
6
7
3
1
2
4
5
Thermal Heatsink
Thermal Transformer
Under Voltage
Short
Power Up
(These are the blue LEDs inside the unit)
(This is the red Protection LED on the unit)
Reset Boot
Protection Activated
Repeated Short
Over Voltage
DC Oset
Protection (Red) Codes
Power (Blue) Codes

5
11. Communications LED – This LED turns on when there is USB
activity between the D-4.800 and your computer during set up.
12. GTO™ Signal Sense – In the ON position, the D-4.800 amplier
will turn on gracefully when it detects an incoming audio signal
on inputs 1 and 2, and it will turn o after a period of time when
the audio signal fades away to silence. In some situations, factory
installed audio systems may turn on or“wake up” due to conve-
nience features like door chimes, alarms, and cell phone signals
that trigger the source unit in the vehicle to come on. To prevent
these from turning your audio system on unexpectedly, you can
bypass the GTO™ circuit by moving the GTO™ switch to the OFF
position and use a switched 12-volt signal connected to the Re-
mote In terminal instead.
13. Maximized Input LEDs – These LEDs illuminate when a maxi-
mum audio signal is present on any of the analog audio inputs.
During power-up, these LEDs and the output LEDs will turn on
momentarily, one after the other. Turn down the levels if these
LEDs are on a lot.
14. Maximized Output LEDs – These LEDs illuminate when there is
maximum signal present on any of the analog audio outputs. Turn
down the output levels if these LEDs are on a lot.
15. MILC™Source Clip LED – The MILC™ (Maximum Input Level
Control) patent-pending level-setting circuit (on inputs 1-2 only)
prevents clipping and damaging distortion. It calculates when the
waveform of an incoming audio signal is clipping, and if it is, this
LED will fulll its destiny and shine forth.
With this advanced feature, you are able to optimize the level of
the incoming audio signal until the Source Clip LED is just about
to come on. If the LED comes on during normal operation, you
should adjust the level of the audio signals before they reach the
D-4.800.
After an interview with the lead engineer included the words
“dierential calculus,” and some hieroglyphics on a chalk board,
the technical writer’s eyes glazed over and he had to be brought
round with a nice cup of tea and two donuts with sprinkles.
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Features continued

6
Quick Start Guide
Power Connections
In this example, the head unit has a +12V
trigger output that is connected to the
D-4.800 remote input terminal. When the
head unit is turned on, it will turn on the
D-4.800.
Alternatively, the GTO™ signal sense
feature can be used to gently turn on
the D-4.800 when an audio input signal
is detected at inputs 1-2. (Then the
connection to the D-4.800’s remote input
terminal is not required.)
The +12V power wiring and Ground wir-
ing should be between 8 and 3 AWG.
Ground
Head Unit
Remote
+12V Trigger
+12V
System Examples

7
System #1: Using speaker-level inputs
Factory
Radio
Front Full-Range Speaker-level output
ACR-3
Speaker-level output
Mids/Highs
(Optional)
+
+
Subwoofer
+
System Examples continued

8
Quick Start Guide
System #2: Using line-level inputs
After-market
Radio
Front Line-level output
“The Epicenter” Subwoofer Amplifier
Rear Line-level output
ACR-3
Speaker-level output
Front
(Option)
Speaker-level output
Rear +
+
+
+
Subwoofer
+
System Examples continued

9
System #3: Using an external subwoofer amplier
Factory
Radio
Front Speaker-level output
“The Epicenter” Subwoofer Amplifier
Rear Speaker-level output
ACR-3
Speaker-level output
Front
(Option)
Speaker-level output
Rear +
+
+
+
Subwoofer
+
System Examples continued

10
Quick Start Guide
Installation
We recommend mounting the D-4.800 in the trunk/boot or cargo
area of the vehicle. An alternative location would be under the front
seat of your vehicle if there is enough room to install and also to reach
the controls. When choosing a location, please keep these things in
mind:
1. Before you start, disconnect the +12V positive and negative
cables from the battery in the vehicle to prevent any damage to
the vehicle or the amplier during the installation process.
2. Pick a mounting location that will provide access to the controls
and connections, provide adequate ventilation, and also protect
the unit from heat, moisture, and dirt.
3. The D-4.800 needs to be securely mounted using the four
mounting holes located in each corner.
4. Before drilling any holes, take every precaution to prevent
damage to fuel lines, power and other electrical wiring,
hydraulic brake lines, and other systems, that might compromise
vehicle safety.
5. Always mount the unit as far from the antenna in the vehicle
as possible, and away from the radio or any other RF sensitive
electronics in the vehicle.
6. Use between 8 and 3 gauge insulated power cable to connect
the +12V terminal of the D-4.800 to the positive terminal of the
vehicle battery.
7. Use between 8 and 3 gauge insulated cable to connect the
ground terminal of the D-4.800 to the negative terminal of the
vehicle battery.
8. The D-4.800 has speaker-level inputs that are designed to ac-
cept amplied, speaker-level signals from a factory source unit
or amplier. You may need to refer to a factory service manual
or wiring-harness schematic to determine which wires are the
speaker wires for your system. If you are unsure which are the
speaker wires, we recommend you look at the color of the speak-
er wires connected to the speakers and follow them back to the
source. Connect the speaker wires to the D-4.800 speaker-level
input plugs using the correct polarity.
9. Line-level audio signals will generally come from your after-
market radio, or if you are really getting the most out of your
car audio system they may be coming from a really awesome
product like the AudioControl LC6i (shameless plug). There are
generally only two things to consider when using the line-level
RCA inputs:
1. Use good shielded or twisted pair RCA cables.
2. Run your RCA cables at least 18” away from power and speaker
cables to avoid picking up radiated noise in your system.
Installation

11
ACR-3 Dash Control Option
The optional AudioControl ACR-3 dash
control is a dual-function remote for your
D-4.800. It may be mounted under the dash
using its own bracket, or through a custom
hole in the dash. The endless knob should
be within reach of the driver, and in a spot
where the two LEDs are plainly visible.
Disconnect the vehicle battery +12V and
Ground connections before installation.
1. When the left (BLUE) LED is on, turn the remote knob clockwise to
turn the level up, and counterclockwise to turn it down.
2. To recall a memory preset with the ACR-3, press the knob in to
switch from blue mode (volume control) to RED mode (preset
recall). If, within two seconds, you turn the knob clockwise one
click, it will recall one preset higher than you are currently operat-
ing. If, within two seconds, you turn the knob counter-clockwise,
it will recall one preset lower than you are currently operating (for
example, to change from Memory 2 to Memory 1).
Top Lid Removal
The top lid must be removed to gain access to the controls, and then
put back on again to protect the controls from dust bunnies.
Removal Procedure
1. Locate the two screws that hold the straight edge of the lid onto
the connector side of the amplier.
2. Use the supplied hex key to loosen both screws just enough
until this edge of the lid can lift freely up just a little. (There is no
need to remove the screws all the way, in case you lose them.)
3. Slide the lid toward the heatsink ns just a tad, before further
lifting the straight edge of the lid about 2”, then disengage the
remaining two points of contact (under the wavy edge).
4. Place the lid in a safe and handy place, ready for the time when
you have nished adjusting the controls to your immense satis-
faction, and just before Chivers brings tea and sandwiches.
Installation continued

12
Quick Start Guide
Quick Start
Before you start, please take a moment to visit our knowledge base:
www.audiocontrol.com/knowledge-base. It will help you with a
plethora of sound advice, and help set the mood for the installation.
1. The following details give a brief overview of the steps required
to install the D-4.800 in your system. The steps below are ex-
plained in more detail throughout the on-line manual.
2. Undo the +12V and Ground connections to the car battery
before making any connections to the D-4.800.
3. When making connections, designate red RCA plugs as right,
and designate white, black, or grey plugs as left.
4. Use quality interconnect cables. We know from experience that
really cheap cables can cause a multitude of problems.
5. Connect the +12V input terminal of the unit to the +12V termi-
nal of the vehicle battery.
6. Connect the Ground terminal of the unit to the negative termi-
nal of the vehicle battery.
7. Connect the remote power terminal of the unit to the remote
turn-on switch of your source unit. Alternatively, you can skip
this connection and use the GTO™ Signal sensing on inputs 1-2.
8. Connect your audio inputs to the unit – either speaker-level or
line-level RCA.
9. Run the optional ACR-3 remote to the front of the vehicle to
adjust the level on the y.
10. Note that the following initial setting up is carefully done with
no speakers connected, to help prevent tweeter damage (for
example) during the D-4.800 setup.
11. When you are satised that all is looking good and correct,
reconnect the vehicle battery. Make sure that any external am-
pliers are o.
12. Install the control application onto your computer, but make
sure that the computer is not connected to the unit during the
installation.
13. Connect the computer to the unit using the USB micro connec-
tion, and run the application. The unit will be recognized and
you can enter an initial password (1234) that you can customize
later.
14. Use the application to adjust every aspect of the D-4.800 oper-
ation until you have the system just right. Set up the optional
remote control to adjust the levels you want.
15. With the computer removed, the D-4.800 will now operate just
as you have it set up.
16. Turn o the power, and connect your loudspeakers to the
D-4.800 or your external ampliers.
17. Turn on the system and play the source at minimum volume to
begin with, then bring up the levels slowly.
18. Enjoy the drive!
Quick Start

13
The Display
The display has three main sections: Input
View, Output View, and Dashboard View, in
addition to the top menu bar (File, Tools,
Help) and the Memory (1, 2, 3, 4) section.
For more details of the software application,
please take a look at the on-line owner’s
manual.
Input View
This display allows you to set the input
gains, polarities and delays. The goal of the
Input View display is to get all of the signals
arriving to the D-4.800 evenly balanced in
level, and time-aligned so that they can be
summed as desired later. The integrated Real
Time Analyzer (RTA) is helpful in achieving
this objective.
1. Select an input pair from this row, then
the parameters shown will be for this
input pair.
Software Application

14
Quick Start Guide
Output View
This is where you will spend the majority
of your tuning time, as it is where you will
set routing and summing, output levels,
crossovers, EQ and AccuBASS® settings. The
D-4.800 is exceptionally exible, and can be
congured to use any output in any band-
width or source and match the needs of the
installation.
1. Select an output from this list, and it will
be highlighted in glorious living grey.
Then all the parameters shown are for this
output pair.
Software Application continued

15
This display allows you to conveniently see
the settings of any one input and any one
output simultaneously. All of the controls
work the same as the Input View and Out-
put View.
Dashboard View
Software Application continued

16
Quick Start Guide PN 915-009-0 Rev A
Specications
All specications are measured at 14.4 VDC (standard automotive voltage). As technology advances, AudioControl reserves the right to continuously
change our specications, like our Pacic Northwest weather, although we are working on changing that as well.
D-4.800
Power Output. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 4 x 125 Watts @ 4 Ohms
. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .4 x 200 Watts @ 2 Ohms
. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 2 x 400 Watts @ 4 Ohms Bridged
Frequency Response . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 20 Hz - 24 kHz
S/N Ratio ...........................102 dBa, Ref 200 Watts @ 2 Ohm
Damping Factor...................670 at 10 V, 4 Ohm Output, 100 Hz
THD+N ......................................................< 0.1%
Bass Processing ..............................AccuBASS® Restoration
. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . (AccuBASS® Patent # 9,225,305)
Power / Ground Wire Gauge. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Between 8 and 3 AWG
Fuse Rating. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 2 x 40 Amps
Speaker-Level Inputs . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 6 x summable, 40 V (400W) max
Line-Level Inputs. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 4 x balanced RCA, 8 V max
Line-Level Outputs. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 2 x balanced RCA, 8.5 V max
Digital input sample rate. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .32 - 96 kHz
Digital input bit depth . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .16 / 24 bit
Clipping detection . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . MILC™ pat pend
Crossover lters. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 12 or 24 dB Linkwitz-Riley
Crossover frequencies. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 20 Hz - 20 kHz
Weight .......................................................5.0 lbs
Dimensions...............................9.00"W X 7.95"D X 2.10"H
Hand-grown and ecologically harvested from the wooded slopes of
Mountlake Terrace, Washington.
©2017 AudioControl. All rights reserved.