Audio Control Phase Coupled Activator User manual

22313 70th Avenue West
!dountlake Terrace, WA
98043-21 55
t2061 775 - 3461
FAX [phone] - 3166
Phase Coupled Activator "
Owner's Manual

8 Congratulations.
You've just bought a patent pending product that's going to significantly improve
the sound of your system and every source you play into it (with the exception of
certain heavy metal records which arc beyond help). The Audio Control Phase
Coupled Activator is the only audio product which can digitally restore rnusicaf notes
lost or seduced in the recording and reproduction processes.
We know you're dying
to fire the box up and start fracturing your foundations,
but cool thy jets a few minutes and read the first couple portions of this manual.
The Phase Coupled Activator is SO DIFFERENT, that its controls need a bit of
explaining.
What you can expect from your Phase Coupled Activator:
Depth and impact restored to cassettes, LP", FM and CD's via patent pending
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c1rcuttry.
*
Y-- for video because of a special video audio circuit. Realit
A Pro~rarnrnable, Electronic Crossover with an 18 d8loctave slope.
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Highest Quality and Five Year Warranty, built in the U.S.A. by an award
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wtnnlng miurer.

Dlr.etl0n Rmtlo Dloitml Rmmrmtion ~xtrm.4 Procmo* Lao0 p- LED Po~r Swlteh
Inpus Clrcult Sd~t Low Frmqwencv Out~ue Subwoofw Outout L~ml
A GUIDED TOUR OF THE PHASE COUPLED ACTIVATOR'S FRONT PANEL
Power LED and Power EWton.
Pretty self - explanatory.
The Phase Coupled Activator's ON/OFF switch dots not
control
the extra outlet on the back of the unit. The Phase Coupled Activator may
be plugged into a switched outiet on your pre - amp or receiver.
If one isn't available,
you can plug what was in the switched outlet into the extra outlet in the back of
the Phase Coupled Activator and have two switched outlets. The Phase Coupled
Activator adds a mere 8 watts to the load on the switched circuit; most switched
sockets are rated at 500 watts. If the power LED ever comes on when the power
switch is off, you're either being visited by extra-terrestials or have one hwkuva case
sf static electricity.
Tapc Monitcr/Extmal Proctssor.
This is another tape monitor loop just Iike the ene(s) on your preamplifier or rc-
ceiver. Since the Phase Coupled Activator goes in your tape monitor Ioop, we have
provided a replacement. It is also a good place to hook other signal enhancement
devices such as equalizers, noise reducers, expanders, etc. Pushed IN, this button
sends out and receives the return of any signal that came into the Phase Coupled
Activator. In the OUT position, the loop is out of the circuit.
Remember, when this button is IN, the Phase Coupled Activator " signal is head -
ing out to something and then coming back before returning to your preamplifier or
receiver. If the device is turned off, or there" nothing hooked in the loop, you'te
gonna get The Sounds of Silence. You wouIdn9 believe how many impassioned calls
we get, claiming our products have suddenly failed, that are instantly cleared up by
asking the owner what position the tape monitor button is in.
Input Circuit Select.
Your
Phase Coupled Activator is designed to enhance video soundtracks as well as
FM, tape, records and CD's. Along with extra inputs on the back of the Phase
Coupled Activator, the Circuit Select button controls which source the Phase Coupled
Activator is detecting and restoring. We added this selection capability due to the
different restoration needs of video and hi - fi sources. Make sure the selection button
is in the proper position or you wilf get no sound or possibly Madonna while watching
Rarnbo.
V

Digital Restoration.
6
Allows instant comparison of the unratored signal with your currenr Detection Ratio
control setting. Abo great for impressing your friends. Seriously though, we designed
the Phase Coupled Activator to provide a realistic floor or fundamental music that
you can enjoy for years to come, and not just bowl pple over instantly with lets of
shudder and boom.
When comparing the IN and OUT positions, listen to music for a few minutes
with the button IN and then take it OUT. The car is much better at detecting the
LACK of very law sounds. When demo-ing for someone else, just let them enjoy
your system and then ask 'Wow want to hear how it used to sound'? The difference
will be immediately noticeable.
CAUTION: When using the Phase Coupled Activator do not use the loudness
control. Leave the loudness button out. With the Phase Coupled
Activator the loudness control is not nmessary.
Deteaion Ratio Control.
This controls the restorative action of the Phasc Coupled Activator, both in terms of
what kind of " trace elements " the circuits are looking for, and how much they re -
store thtst artifacts to their original volume. This is a sensitivity control and should
be used sparingly.
When
first using your Phase Coupled Activator, begin with the knob in the
middle. For a majority of sound source, this is " How It Should Have Bm in the
First Place
1
'. Turning the Detection Ratio Control to the righr toward +200% wiII
- help compensate for 1) small speakers, 2) program material that doesn't even have
the normal stingy amount of bass in it. Rotating the knob to the Ieft rcduccs the
sensitivity of the Phase Coupled Activator's restoration action.
VERY well recorded
Compact Discs are one instance you might want to cut the Detection Ratio. Massive
woof trs or the addition of a subwoofer is another. Generally, we recommend leaving
the control at the 12 o'clock position.
Subwmftt Section:
Low Frequency Output and L6W Frt~utncy Lcvd Control.
The Phase Coupled Activator is really two separate devices in one: the digital
fundamental
restoration system, and an audiophile - quality, phase - coherent, program -
mable clec tronic crossover. We put them both together because the extra funda -
mentals returned to music By the Phase CoupIed Activator can tax woofers under 8"
in diameter, making the addition of a subwoofer very valuable. A subwoofer is a
specialized supplementary woof es system used to augment regular speakers. The
Phase Coupled Activator's electronic crossover splits up the full frequency spectrum
into two parts: Abve 90Hz and below 90Hz. The higher part goes to your regular
amplifier and speakers which now don't have to play as low. The frquencies under
90Hz are routed to a second power amplifier and to the subwoofer which can better
handle really low bass.
The ONlOFF switch activates the crossover.
OFF, the whole signal is rout&
out the Phase Coupled Activator " normal "PCA OUTPUT1 sockets. IN, the signad is
also sent
to "LOW OUT'' and " HIGH OUTw output sockets if c~ossovtr is connected.
Please read the section an the el~tronic crossover portion of the Phase Coupled
Activator carefully befort making any connections.
.
- 3 -

HOOKING UP THE AUDIO CONTROL PHASE COUPLED ACYTVATOR
First FTLL OUT THE WARRANTY CARD! Please write us some comments
and opinions, stamp the card and mail it to us.
Next, PUT THE SALES RECEIPT IN A SAFE PLACE and record the serial
number of your Phase Coupled Activator. This is very important in the highly
unlikely event that your Phase Coupled Activator gets ill. It% also yovr proof
of ownership should a burglar ever take a sudden midnight liking to yovr stereo
system. Not pleasant to think abut, but neither is hassling with an insurance
corn pan y.
Finally, SAVE THE BOX. You'll need it if you move; we require it if you
ship the unit back to us for service.
PHASE COUPLED
PRE AMP
B.
Hooking The Phase Coupled Activator Up To a Rceeiuer, Re-amplifier or In -
tegrated Amplifier.
[ 1 1 -
Locate the tape monitor sockets on the back of your receiver. They
should be marked IN and OUT, or MON and REC, or REG and
PLAYBACK. There may be two sets of them. You can use either
set. Also, some components have an additional set of sockets marked
EXTERNAL PROCESSOR. That's an exceHent place to put the Phase
Coupled Activator without tying up a tape monitor Imp.
11 2
On the back of the Phase Coupled Activator, locate the three sets of
sockets marked MAIN PHASE COUPLED ACTIVATOR CONNECTlON.
Find the set of sockets marked MAIN INPUT and the set an the far
end labeled PCA OUTPUT. Notice that the LEFT and RIGHT sockets
are abve one another.
3. Now, afterdlthatlooking,youget toDOsomething. Plugoneend
of a set of connection cords into the TAPE OUT or REC sockets on
your receiver. Plug the other end into the MAIN INPUT sockets on
the Phase Coupled Activator, That forms the circuit TO the Phase
Coupled Activator.
C

e I? 4. PIup one end of another set of connection cords into the Phase
Coupled Activator " PCA OUTPUT sockets, and the other end into
your receiver" TAPE IN or MON sockets. That completes the circuit
from the PCA BACK TO your receiver or preamplifier,
Now tvery time you press the TAPE MONlTOR button on your receiver (or the
EXTERNAL PROCESSOR button, if you have one), the PCA will be activated. If
you don't have any other equipment, or run your cassette deck: through a differ-
mt tape monitor circuit, you're ready to sit back and enjoy.
C. Hmking up a cassette deck or ether signal pxcssinp device.
Whether you've hooked the Phase Coupled Activator up to your cape sockets or
the external processor sockets, they're now filled and can't be used for other things.
That's why we added a separate TAPE/EXTERNAt PROCESSOR LOOP to the Phase
Caupltd Activator.
[I
1. O R the Phase Coupled Activator, locate the INPUT and OUTPUT sockets
just to the right of center marked TAPElEXTERNAL PROCESSOR
LOOP.
[]
2. Find the IN and OUT sockets on the back of your cassette deck or
other signal processing device.
[I
3. Connect the Phase Coupled Activator's OUTPUT sockets to she tape
dcck or processor " INPUT sockets.
[
4. Connect the tape deck or pr~essor's OUTPUT sockets with the Phase
Coupled Activator's INPUT sockets.

That's it!
Now when the TAPEJEXTERNAL PROCESSOR button is pushed on the
6,
Phase Coupled Activator,
the signal will go to and from your tape deck or cassette
-
deck. The cassette deck may be used just like you normally would. ff you don't
want a tape to have the benefits of the Phase Coupled Activator, put the Phase
Coupled Activator's INJOUT button in the OUT position.
D. H&g Up Your Video System With Tlre Phase Cwpled Activator.
We've added special inputs so that you can hook your VCR or TV tuner into the
Phase Coupled Activator and thus an through your stereo and loudspeakers. The
Phase Coupled Activator dots fantastic things with soundtracks, especially those with
lots of music or special effects sound effects. Rock videos and MTV are also
'I,
fantastic.
[I 1.
Locate the AUDIO OUT sockttIs) on your VCR, TV tuner, satetlire
receiver or video monitor, If you have one of those nifty, cornpli-
cared switching boxes, you're way ahead of us anyway and have
probably already finished this hcsokup.
(3 2
Qn the far right side of the Phast Coupled Activator, kcate the
center set of jacks marked VIDEO AUDIO INPUT, (They're betwen
MAIN INPUT and PCA OUTPUT).
El 3. Hook a set of connection cords from the video source's AUDIO OUT
sockets to the PCA" VVTDEOlAUDIO INPUT sockets.
Now,
when you press the CIRCUIT SELECT button an the Phase Coupled Acti -
vator, your vidm will be sun through your hi - fi after seme real serious mhanctmenrs
courtesy of the Phase Coupled Activator, Put on Star Wars and hold onto your laser
swords. Don't however, leave this button in when you're not watching TV or you'll
get serious silence when you go to play a record or tape.
E. Taking Advantage of f he Phast Coupled Activator's Independent EIcctrbnic
Crossortr,
We've added a totally separat-but very handy - hi - fi component which can ftt
..
you take maximum advantage of the rich, added sound which the Phase Coupld +
Activator can restore. It divides the frequency spectrum up into two parts.
I
-6-

/
P
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This allows you to either:
1).
Augment the performance of your existing speakers with a subwoofer. This
approach lets
your speakers operate over the full frequency range and uses
the crossover to ADD an extra low bass output which is sent to an
amplifier and subwmf es.
.
Relieve your speakers completely of having to reproduce ultra - low bass
signals. This approach uses the electronic crossover to actually divide the
full - range signal into two parts. The subwoofer gets everything under 90Hz
and your regular speakers breathe a sigh of relief since they only have to
reproduce signals above 90Hz. Greg Mackie, our Director of Engineering,
"highly recommends'' this approach.
ConsuIt with the dealer, where you bought your Phase Coupled Activator, about suit -
abie subwoofers and which of the above approaches will fit your existing speakers,
new subwoofer, listening room and musical rastes.
E. True EltcSrwric Crossover Appmcfi.
TO HIGH FREQ AM
FREQ AMPLtFIER
PHASE COUPLED ACTlVATOR
am a**
CRE AMP MAIN OUT
[I 1.
Run a set of patch cords from the OUTPUT sockets of your prt-
amplifier ta the INPUT sockets in the Phase Coupled Activator's
INDEPENDENT ELECTRONIC CROSSOVER section.
[] 2
Connect the INDEPENDENT C R O S S O V E R HI OUT sockets on the
Phase Coupled Activator to ywc regular power amplifier.
.

13 3. Connect the INDEPENDENT CRO5WVER LOW OUT sockets on the
Phase Coupled Activator with the new amplifier which will drive your
subwoof er.
sj
"Greatr" youu'rc saying, " But, I have a receiver (or integrated amp), not tweaky
prc-amp and power amp separates.
I don't HAVE any OUTPUT sockct~.~
Well, actually 99% of you receiver and integrated owners DO. They have little
metal nU's" In them R O W . They're labeled PRE and MAIN and you've probably never
even given them a thought until now. Simply take the little U - shaped pieces of
metal out. The PRE sockets represent a preamplifier's OUT PUT sockets. The MAIN
sockets lead to the power amplifier section of your receiver or integrated.
NOTES ON OPERATING THE PHASE COUPLED ACTIVATOR
Big NMo Dcpartrnmk
Do not turn up bass tone controls or under any circumstance activate your
system" LOUDNESS button.
Big Ohh-Pow Department:
One of the most interesting and practical uses for the Phase Coupled Activator
is as a REPLACEMENT for the LOUDNESS button we just told you not to ever use
again. 1
4
Try it for yourself. Put on some background music. Mantovani, Sex Pistols,
Wagner - - whatever your taste is, with the Digital Restoration button engaged. Then
turn the volume down to background level. Now switch the Phase Coupled Activator
out. You will find a staggering change in sound quality. Not volume. Just quality.
Finally, you can listen to music as a background source and still hear a full range of
frqutncies. No equalization or loudness button can achieve this.
What Kinds of Music You GWI Expect The Bet Results With:
Rock music, cI cctric jazz/ rocklf usion, rnos t acoustic jazz and alder classical
recordings all have less low f rwuency fundamentah than they started out with and
are all prime candidates for the Phase Coupled Activatorlr restorative effects.
When you come to think of it, that's just about every recording ever made with
the exception of a few new classical rmrds and CD's that art 100% digitally re -
corded from start to finish. It's virtually every r~ord in a record start, almost the
whole Schwann catalog, most foreign records, EVERYTHING rmorded before around
1980, and even those Folkways recordings of Brazilian nose flute concertos your old
roommate left you when he dropped out of college back in "0.

J
/'
Some extremely wdl-recorded dassica1 selections pjayd through extremely flat
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response systems may not need the Phase Coupled Activator.
For everything else, we
know youV find it useful simply btcause something is missing that deserves to be put
back.
To Varture Where No AudlofVidca System Has Gone Stfort,.
If you haven't mated your stereo system with your videc system, yourlre missing
a whole lot. Even if they're currently in different rooms, itFs worth getting a sepa -
rate amp and speakers to go with your TV monitor.
But remember to get a spare Phase Coupled Activator. Bccausc enhancing
video soundtracks is one of its most exciting uses.
Particularly impressive are the
effects on movies with special effecrs soundtracks like Star Wars,
Dune, 201 0, movies
with lots of violence,
like Clint Eastweod flicks, mercenaries re - fighting Vietnam
epics, my musical or movie with a big, expansive, wdl-record& soundtrack,
Concert tapes and rock videos art fantastic.
Even all-dialogue, stage - bound movies sound better.
The Phase Coupled Activator will restore bass to regular TY reception, satellite,
cable and of course vidm cassettes. If you're a vidmphile with a YI-15 or Beta Hi-fi
deck, you can even enhance soundtracks DURING RECORDING for playback on the
decks of those less fortunate than yourself.
PIaybdc Systems and The Phase Caupled Activatot:
Since the Phase CoupIed Activator restores fundamentals, you must have a
speaker system that can reproduce the results, Systems wizh Sf', !On, 1 2', or 15"
wboftrs work fine. Under 8'" you might consider the use of a subwmfer and/or pay
particular attention to making sure the Phase Coupled Activator doesn't overdrive
your woofers, (See bdow.)
In some cases, speaker designers have design4 a response peak in their speakers.
Not that they show it in those flat litde response graphs that come with it.
But a
big, bonky bump can be there, right at 60Hz where the Phase Coupid Activator Is
partially active. The result can be an over - accentuation of the Phase Couple$
Acaivator's correction. The solution Is NOT ro turn down the Detection Ratio knob,
but to remove the speaker response bump with a frequency - selective tone control, or
good graphic equalizer (we make those, too). Of course, nothing will cure really
flabby, boomy bass in a speaker except a betzer quality speaker -

There are two extremes which should be consider&. One is a speaker wirh lots
of big, boamy bass like wdve discussed above. The other potential problem is the
small speaker whose woofer can be called on to move farther than it is able. To
Fj
make low bass, the woofer cone has to move out and in. That's called its excursion.
A few of the most respected speaker brands (Sorry, awfully old chaps, but many of
them arc British), have woofer excursions too short to fully reproduce a true, Iow
bass fundamental.
Ditto for small speakers with 5" and 6" woofers.
If you hear a fluttering or clacking sound during bass notes, BACK OFF the
Detection Ratio knob.
Or get bigger speakers.
Or stick to chamber music.
Rmm Acoustics and the Phax Coupled Aaivatot:
If a room is boomy all by Itself, low fundamental reproduction will swnd muddy
and boomy, too, Start by moving your speakers out away from back walls and
corners. Raise them up using speaker stands. This takes some experimentation, but
can yield drnmaticaIly differing results.
You can also move yourself.
When your listening position is close to a waI1 or
corner, you art focusing low bass and reverberations in on yourself.
Move farther
into the center of the room.
Well, that's all there is to it. By now, you should be enjoying music as when
you hear it live. It is our pleasure to bring this pleasure to you.
SPECIFICATIONS
Total Harmonic Distortion ..................... .0.005%
Signal: to Noise Ratio ........................ -1 18dB
Input Impedance ......................... 1 OOk ohms
Output Impedance ........................ .I50 ohms
Frquency Response ............... .SOHz to ZOkHz + O.5dB
Frqutncy Response, Crossover ......... 2r3Hz to 20kHz O.5dB
Crossover Slope ........................ I sd~mctave
Crossover Frequency .................... Programmable*
Site (inches) ................... .25 H x t9 W x 9.25 D
Warranty .............................. .5 years
Country of Origin .......................... .U.S.A.
Maximum Output Levd (into 606 ohms) ............. +I 6dBm
*
The Phase Coupled Activator's crossovw comes pre-set at 90Hz; it can be pr*
grarnmed by your dealer for almost any frequency from 6OHr to 8000Hz.

THE AUDIO CONTROL UMlTED WARRANTY
'C-r7
Ptople are scared of warrantin,
Lots of fine print. Lots of non-cooperation.
Months of waiting arand.
Well,
don't be scar& of this warranty. 1t"s designed to make you mvt about us
to your friends. It's a warranty that looks out for you and helps you resist the
temptation to havc your friend "'who% god with electronicsn, try to repair your Audio
Control Phase Coupled Activator. 50 go ahead and read through this warranty, then
enjoy your new component for a few days before sending in the warranty card and
comments,
nConditional" doesn't mean any thing ominous. The Ftdtral Trade Commission
tells all manufachrress to ux the term to indicate certain conditions havt to be met
before they'll honor the warranty.
If you honor these conditions, we will warrant all
material and workmanship on your Phasc Cwpled Activator for FIVE YEARS from the
date you bought it, and wiri fix or replace it, at wr option, during that time.
Here art the dith that make this warranty cnnditidz
1. You have to fill out the warranty card and send it to us within 13 days
after yw purchastd your unit.
2 You ;must ktcp ywr salts slip or rtcelpt so you have praaf when and from
whom you bought your unit. We're not the only company te rcquire this,
so it's a geed habit to get into with any sttrto purchase.
3. Your Phasc Coupled Activator has to havt bctn originally prchastd form
an authorized Audio Control dealer. You do not have to bs the original
owner to take advantage of the Five Year warranty, but the date of pur -
chase is still important, se be =st to get a copy of the sales slip from
the original owner.
4. YOU cannot let anybody who isn?: CaS The Audio Control factory; (b) An
authorized service center; or (cl Sorncone authorized in writing, by Audio
Control, to service your unit. If anyone other than (a), Ib), or (c), messes
with your Phasc Coupltd Activator, that voids the warranty,
5 The warranty is also void if the serial number has been altered or
removed, or if the Audio Canzsol: Phase Coupled Activator is used
improperjy. Now, that sounds like a big Imphale, but here is all we mean
by it, Unwarranted abwc is: (a) Physical damage, (our products are not
meant to be used as jack stands for your carh Ib) Impropr connection.
We havc done the best we can to protect the inputs; however, 230 volts
into the jacks can fry the innards of the pr beasty.
(c)
Sadistic things. This
is the best praduct we know how to mmufac-
turt, but if you
use it for the front bumper of your Baja Bug and get it
fuU of water and dirt, things wilI go wrong.
Assuming yw conform to numbers 1 - 5, and It h't all that hard ta do, we get
the option of dtciding whether to fix your old unit w replace it with a new one.
.5
J

This is the only warranty given by Audio Control.
This warranty give you
specific Itgal rights which vary from state to state. Promises of how well your
Phase Coupled Activator will work art not implied by this warranty. Other than
what we've covered in this warranty, we have no obligation, txprtss or implied.
AJso, we wilI not be obligated for direct or indircct consequential damage to your
system caused by hwking up Audio Control Phase Coupled Activator.
Failure to send
in a properly completed warranty card negates any sttrice
claim.
22410 70th Ave West Mountlake Terrace. WA 98043
Phone 206-75'5-9461 Fax 206-JJ8-3166
Copyright 2985 Audio Control
Printed in U.S.A.
Specification subject to change without notice.