Dd audio Zvl User manual

OWNER’S MANUAL

ZVL

DD AUDIO / ZVL /1

Page 3 ..............................................................................Technical Specifications

Page 4 ......................................................................... Control Panel Connections

Page 5 ............................................................................. RCA Panel Connections

Page 6 .....................................................................Internal Jumper Configuration

Page 7 ............................................................................................. Input Jumpers

Page 8 .....................................................................Connecting a Remote Control

Page 9 .............................................. Linking Subwoofer Amplifiers w/ a ZVL input

Page 12 ....................................... Linking Subwoofer Amplifiers w/out a ZVL input

Page 15 ........................................ Strapping Subwoofer Amplifiers w/ a ZVL input

Page 17 ................................... Strapping Subwoofer Amplifiers w/out a ZVL input

Page 20 ................................................................... Linking Multiple ZVL Modules

Page 21 .....Connecting Subwoofer Amplifiers and Full Range Amplifiers to a ZVL

Page 21 ................................... Using the ZVL as an active RCA distribution block

SECTIONS

INTRODUCTION

DESIGN FEATURES

Thank you for purchasing the DD Audio ZVL (Vari-Link). The ZVL is a Multi-Amp

Sync Module that can take the place of several separate components commonly

used when setting up multi amp systems, making wiring your installs easier and

cleaner.

The ZVL can be simultaneously used as a master volume and preamp controller

for multiple sub amps and an active RCA distribution module for full range amps.

Multiple ZVL units can be linked together when more outputs are needed.

The ZVL can be used with any amplifier but it was engineered to work

seamlessly with DD Audio Amps equipped with a ZVL INPUT. To ensure ease of

use and proper setup please take a moment to thoroughly read through this

manual. We hope you thoroughly enjoy this product, and if you have any

questions regarding installation or setup please contact the DD Audio technical

support team.

!!WARNING!!

Severe Amplifier and Subwoofer damage

can result from improper installation and

setup of the ZVL. PLEASE take time to read

this manual carefully and contact a DD Audio

technician if you have any questions.

• Subwoofer Preamp

○Gain

○Variable 24dB/Oct Subsonic Filter

○Variable 24dB/Oct Low Pass Filter

• 2 channels of input / 10 channels of output

• Remote volume control of subwoofer amp(s)

(with compatible DD Audio amp remote, not Included)

• Remote monitoring of amplifier clipping and voltage

(with compatible DD Audio amp and amp remote, not included)

• Selectable Link, Strap, Preamp and Pass-Through modes

•Aluminum Chassis

DD AUDIO / ZVL /2

TECHNICAL SPECIFICATIONS

DD AUDIO / ZVL / 3

ZVL

9V-16V

0.2-8V

20KΩ

≥100Ω

≥105dBA

<0.1%

12V >500mA

10Hz-25kHz

20Hz-200Hz 24dB/Oct

10Hz-50Hz 24dB/Oct

200mA

1 Amp

4 x 5 x 2

98 x 125 x 47

Operating Voltage

Input Channels

Output Channels

RCA Input Sensitivity

RCA Input Impedance

RCA Output Voltage

RCA Output Impedance

RCA Input S/N

RCA Input THD

REM OUT Output Current

Frequency Response

Low Pass Filter

SubSonic Filter

Power Draw

Recommended Fuse Rating

Dimensions in

Dimensions mm

GND:

Connect to a verified chassis ground. Run a

separate ground wire vs connecting it to a factory

ground wire. Factory ground wires usually have

multiple devices connected to them and are not

recommended because this can lead to ground

loop issues.

BATT+:

Connect to a constant positive power supply

within the operating input voltage range. Direct

connection to the vehicle’s battery is preferred.

REM IN:

Connect to a switched +12V turn-on source to

turn the ZVL on and off. No connection is required

if using auto turn on. Remove the Turn On

Selection Jumper to disable auto turn on when

this turn on method is desired.

REM OUT:

Provides a >500mA @ 12v switched turn-on

signal for connected amplifiers or other connected

components. May require an additional relay for

multi component turn-on.

PWR:

When the LED is illuminated it means the ZVL is

on.

REMOTE OUT:

Port for connecting the ZVL to a DD Audio

amplifier’s REMOTE port via modular cable.

REMOTE IN:

Port for connecting a compatible DD Audio amp

remote to the ZVL via modular cable.

GAIN:

Adjust the GAIN to match the inputs of the ZVL to

the outputs of your signal source.

SUBSONIC:

Adjusting the SUBSONIC control sets the desired

subsonic filter point to remove low frequencies

that are unwanted or below the sub enclosure’s

tuning. To avoid subwoofer damage from over

excursion it is very important to properly set your

subsonic filter when using the ZVL.

LOW PASS:

Adjusting the LOW PASS control sets the desired

low pass filter point to remove high range

frequencies that are unwanted.

DD AUDIO / ZVL / 4

CONTROL PANEL CONNECTIONS

INPUT:

Connect to RCA (line level) signal source.

OUTPUT 1-5:

Connect to RCA (line level) inputs of your

amplifier/s via RCA interconnect cables.

DD AUDIO / ZVL / 5

RCA PANEL CONNECTIONS

INTERNAL JUMPER CONFIGURATION

DD AUDIO / ZVL / 6

PRE:

Passes the input signal from the source unit

through the ZVL’s subwoofer preamp (GAIN,

SUBSONIC, LFP) before sending it to the

outputs.

PASS:

Passes the input signal from the source unit

directly to the outputs with no effect from the ZVL’s

subwoofer preamp. This will be used for full range

signal distribution.

LINK:

Output pairs will be in phase with each other. This

will be the most common output setting for the

majority of applications including full range pass

through. See Linking Subwoofer Amplifiers

diagrams for proper Link mode wiring.

STRAP:

Converts the left and right channels of output

channels (1,2,3,4) from in phase to 180 degrees

out of phase from each other. This setting is only

used when configuring pairs of subwoofer

amplifiers in Strap mode. Channel pair 5 is

permanently set to Link mode. See the Strapping

Subwoofer Amplifiers diagrams for proper strap

mode wiring.

INPUT JUMPERS

OUTPUT JUMPERS

DD AUDIO / ZVL / 7

The ZVL works with compatible DD Audio

amplifier remote control knobs giving you the

ability to monitor voltage and clipping and control

the master volume of linked/strapped sub amps.

In most cases, the remote control that comes with

your DD Audio amplifier will be compatible with

the ZVL and you can simply follow the connection

instructions below.

1. Run the cable provided with your remote

control from the remote control to the

REMOTE IN on the ZVL.

2. Run the cable provided with the ZVL from

the REM OUT of the ZVL to the REMOTE

port on your main amplifier

If you are using an older DD Audio amplifier or a

non DD Audio amplifier you can still purchase a

ZVL compatible remote control that will give you

the ability to control the master volume of

linked/strapped sub amps.

CONNECTING A REMOTE CONTROL

COMPATIBLE REMOTES

DD AUDIO / ZVL / 8

1. The ZVL default setting is channel pairs 1-4 Pre/Link and channel pair 5 Pass/Link. This

configuration will simultaneously control 4 sub amps in LINK mode while passing full

range signal on channel pair 5.

2. If no jumper reconfiguration is needed, proceed to step 5. If jumper reconfiguration is

needed, remove the backplate to access the internal jumpers and proceed to step 3.

3. Set the internal output jumpers to the LINK position for the channels you will be

connecting to the amplifiers.

4. Set the internal input jumpers to the PRE position for the channels you will be

connecting to the linked sub amplifiers. This will route the signal through the ZVL

preamp controls. Reassemble the ZVL then proceed.

5. Connect the full range RCA outputs from the source unit to the ZVL inputs.

6. Connect the RCAs from the ZVL outputs, as shown in the linking diagram, to your DD

Audio Amp’s ZVL inputs.

7. By connecting to the amplifier's ZVL inputs you will bypass all controls on the amplifier’s

preamp so there will be no need to adjust the pre amp controls on the amp.

8. Connect a speaker (+) POSITIVE LEAD to the (+) POSITIVE TERMINAL of the

amplifier. Connect the speaker (-) NEGATIVE LEAD to the (-) NEGATIVE TERMINAL of

the amplifier.

9. Repeat the connection process for each amplifier you are Linking with the ZVL.

10. The GAIN control on the ZVL should be set to match the output signal voltage from your

Source Unit.

11. Adjust the ZVL LOW PASS FILTER and SUBSONIC FILTER for desired listening.

NOTE: Up to 5 amplifiers can be linked in this manner with one ZVL. If more outputs are

required for your application you will be able to connect 4 amplifiers while using Channel

5/6 to feed signal into a second ZVL unit allowing you to link up to 9 amplifiers in this

manner with 2 ZVLs. Please refer to the Linking Multiple ZVL’s section of this manual.

LINKING SUBWOOFER AMPLIFIERS W/ A ZVL INPUT

(amplifiers must be matching models)

DD AUDIO / ZVL / 9

LINKING SUBWOOFER AMPLIFIERS W/ A ZVL INPUT

(amplifiers must be matching models) [continued]

DD AUDIO / ZVL / 10

!!WARNING!!

Severe Amplifier and Subwoofer damage

can result from improper installation and

setup of the ZVL. PLEASE take time to read

this manual carefully and contact a DD Audio

technician if you have any questions.

Source Unit

SET JUMPERS FIRST, see ZVL Internal Jumper Configuration on next page 

LINKING SUBWOOFER AMPLIFIERS W/ A ZVL INPUT

(amplifiers must be matching models) [continued]

ZVL Internal Jumper Configuration

DD AUDIO / ZVL / 11

1. The ZVL default setting is channel pairs 1-4 Pre/Link and channel pair 5 Pass/Link. This

configuration will simultaneously control 4 sub amps in LINK mode while passing full

range signal on channel pair 5.

2. If no reconfiguration is needed, proceed to step 5. If reconfiguration is needed, remove

the backplate to access the internal jumpers and proceed to step 3.

3. Set the internal output jumpers to the LINK position for the channels you will be

connecting to the linked amplifiers.

4. Set the internal input jumpers to the PRE position for the channels you will be

connecting to the linked amplifiers. This will route the signal through the ZVL preamp

controls. Reassemble the ZVL then proceed.

5. Connect the full range RCA outputs from the source unit to the ZVL inputs.

6. Connect the RCAs from the ZVL output, as shown in the linking diagram, to your DD

Audio Amp’s ZVL INPUT.

7. The amplifier settings need to be adjusted as follows: The GAIN should be adjusted to

the lowest setting. The LOW PASS FILTER should be turned towards the highest

frequency. (EXAMPLE: if LPF = 20Hz to 200Hz, adjust to 200Hz) - The SUBSONIC

FILTER should be turned towards the lowest frequency. (EXAMPLE: if SUBSONIC

range = 10Hz to 50Hz, adjust to 10Hz) - If applicable set preamp to MASTER or MAIN -

any other amplifier settings such as PHASE or BASS BOOST should be set to 0.

8. Set the GAIN control on the ZVL to half.

9. The ZVL LPF should be set to its highest frequency setting and the SUBSONIC should

be set to its lowest frequency setting.

10. Now you will need to match the outputs of your amplifiers. For this procedure you will

need a Digital Voltmeter and the ability to play a 0dB 40hz test tone from your source

unit.

a. Determine your target output voltage using the formula √P*R = E. Multiply the

RMS Power of your amplifier (P) by the impedance of the load that will be

connected to the amplifier (R), then find the square root of that number to get the

target output Voltage (E). (EXAMPLE: 2000W (P) with a 1Ω load (R) would equal

44.7 VAC (E) ) √2000*1 = 44.7VAC

b. Make sure no subwoofers are connected to the amplifiers.

c. Adjust your Voltmeter so that it is measuring Volts AC.

d. Connect the positive Voltmeter lead to the (+) POSITIVE TERMINAL on amplifier

then connect the negative Voltmeter lead to the (-) NEGATIVE TERMINAL on

amplifier.

e. Turn the audio system on and turn the source unit volume all the way down.

f. Now, while playing the 40Hz sine wave turn your source unit to its maximum

clean volume level. If you don’t have an oscilloscope or other tools to determine

this, you can just turn your source unit up to ¾ of its volume for this step.

g. While measuring the Voltage AC turn the amplifier’s gain up until you reach your

target output voltage.

h. Repeat steps d-g for all the linked amplifiers until all are set to the target output

voltage.

i. Turn your system off.

11. Connect the speaker (+) POSITIVE LEAD to the (+) POSITIVE TERMINAL of the

amplifier. Connect the speaker (-) NEGATIVE LEAD to the (-) NEGATIVE TERMINAL of

the amplifier.

12. Repeat the connection process for each amplifier you are Linking with the ZVL.

13. Adjust the ZVL LOW PASS FILTER and SUBSONIC FILTER for desired listening.

NOTE: Up to 5 amplifiers can be linked in this manner with one ZVL. If more outputs are

required for your application you will be able to connect 4 amplifiers while using Channel

5/6 to feed signal into a second ZVL unit allowing you to link up to 9 amplifiers in this

manner. Please refer to the Linking 2 ZVL’s section of this manual.

LINKING SUBWOOFER AMPLIFIERS W/OUT A ZVL INPUT

(amplifiers must be matching models) [continued]

DD AUDIO / ZVL / 12

1. The ZVL default setting is channel pairs 1-4 Pre/Link and channel pair 5 Pass/Link. This

configuration will simultaneously control 4 sub amps in LINK mode while passing full

range signal on channel pair 5.

2. If no reconfiguration is needed, proceed to step 5. If reconfiguration is needed, remove

the backplate to access the internal jumpers and proceed to step 3.

3. Set the internal output jumpers to the LINK position for the channels you will be

connecting to the linked amplifiers.

4. Set the internal input jumpers to the PRE position for the channels you will be

connecting to the linked amplifiers. This will route the signal through the ZVL preamp

controls. Reassemble the ZVL then proceed.

5. Connect the full range RCA outputs from the source unit to the ZVL inputs.

6. Connect the RCAs from the ZVL output, as shown in the linking diagram, to your DD

Audio Amp’s ZVL INPUT.

7. The amplifier settings need to be adjusted as follows: The GAIN should be adjusted to

the lowest setting. The LOW PASS FILTER should be turned towards the highest

frequency. (EXAMPLE: if LPF = 20Hz to 200Hz, adjust to 200Hz) - The SUBSONIC

FILTER should be turned towards the lowest frequency. (EXAMPLE: if SUBSONIC

range = 10Hz to 50Hz, adjust to 10Hz) - If applicable set preamp to MASTER or MAIN -

any other amplifier settings such as PHASE or BASS BOOST should be set to 0.

8. Set the GAIN control on the ZVL to half.

9. The ZVL LPF should be set to its highest frequency setting and the SUBSONIC should

be set to its lowest frequency setting.

10. Now you will need to match the outputs of your amplifiers. For this procedure you will

need a Digital Voltmeter and the ability to play a 0dB 40hz test tone from your source

unit.

a. Determine your target output voltage using the formula √P*R = E. Multiply the

RMS Power of your amplifier (P) by the impedance of the load that will be

connected to the amplifier (R), then find the square root of that number to get the

target output Voltage (E). (EXAMPLE: 2000W (P) with a 1Ω load (R) would equal

44.7 VAC (E) ) √2000*1 = 44.7VAC

b. Make sure no subwoofers are connected to the amplifiers.

c. Adjust your Voltmeter so that it is measuring Volts AC.

d. Connect the positive Voltmeter lead to the (+) POSITIVE TERMINAL on amplifier

then connect the negative Voltmeter lead to the (-) NEGATIVE TERMINAL on

amplifier.

e. Turn the audio system on and turn the source unit volume all the way down.

f. Now, while playing the 40Hz sine wave turn your source unit to its maximum

clean volume level. If you don’t have an oscilloscope or other tools to determine

this, you can just turn your source unit up to ¾ of its volume for this step.

DD AUDIO / ZVL / 13

g. While measuring the Voltage AC turn the amplifier’s gain up until you reach your

target output voltage.

h. Repeat steps d-g for all the linked amplifiers until all are set to the target output

voltage.

i. Turn your system off.

11. Connect the speaker (+) POSITIVE LEAD to the (+) POSITIVE TERMINAL of the

amplifier. Connect the speaker (-) NEGATIVE LEAD to the (-) NEGATIVE TERMINAL of

the amplifier.

12. Repeat the connection process for each amplifier you are Linking with the ZVL.

13. Adjust the ZVL LOW PASS FILTER and SUBSONIC FILTER for desired listening.

NOTE: Up to 5 amplifiers can be linked in this manner with one ZVL. If more outputs are

required for your application you will be able to connect 4 amplifiers while using Channel

5/6 to feed signal into a second ZVL unit allowing you to link up to 9 amplifiers in this

manner. Please refer to the Linking 2 ZVL’s section of this manual.

LINKING SUBWOOFER AMPLIFIERS W/OUT A ZVL INPUT

(amplifiers must be matching models) [continued]

SET JUMPERS FIRST, see ZVL Internal Jumper Configuration on next page 

LINKING SUBWOOFER AMPLIFIERS W/OUT A ZVL INPUT

(amplifiers must be matching models) [continued]

ZVL Internal Jumper Configuration

DD AUDIO / ZVL / 14

1. Remove the ZVL’s backplate and set the internal output jumpers to the STRAP position

for the channels you will be connecting to the strapped amplifiers.

2. Set the internal input jumpers to the PRE position for the channels you will be

connecting to the strapped amplifiers. This routes the signal through the ZVL preamp

controls. Reassemble the ZVL then proceed.

3. Connect the full range RCA outputs from the source unit to the ZVL inputs.

4. Connect the RCA’s from the ZVL OUTPUT as shown in the strapping diagram below to

the amplifier’s ZVL INPUT.

5. By connecting to the amplifier's ZVL inputs you will bypass all controls on the amplifier’s

preamp so there will be no need to adjust the controls on the amp.

6. Connect a strapping wire between the (-) NEGATIVE TERMINALS of the two amplifiers

being strapped.

7. Connect the speaker (+) POSITIVE LEAD to the (+) POSITIVE TERMINAL of amplifier

#1. Connect the speaker (-) NEGATIVE LEAD to the (+) POSITIVE TERMINAL of

amplifier #2. Repeat the connection process for each pair of amplifiers you are

strapping with the ZVL.

8. The GAIN control on the ZVL should be set to match the output signal voltage from your

Source Unit.

9. The ZVL LOW PASS FILTER and SUBSONIC FILTER should be adjusted for desired

listening.

STRAPPING SUBWOOFER AMPLIFIERS W/ A ZVL INPUT

(amplifiers must be matching models)

DD AUDIO / ZVL / 15

SET JUMPERS FIRST, see ZVL Internal Jumper Configuration on next page 

STRAPPING SUBWOOFER AMPLIFIERS W/ A ZVL INPUT

(amplifiers must be matching models) [continued]

ZVL Internal Jumper Configuration

DD AUDIO / ZVL / 16

1. Remove the ZVL’s backplate and set the internal output jumpers to the STRAP position

for the channels you will be connecting to the strapped amplifiers.

2. Set the internal input jumpers to the PRE position for the channels you will be

connecting to the strapped amplifiers. This routes the signal through the ZVL preamp

controls.

3. Reassemble the ZVL then proceed.

4. Connect the full range RCA outputs from the source unit to the ZVL inputs.

5. Connect the RCA’s from the ZVL OUTPUTS as shown in the strapping diagram below

to the amplifier INPUTS.

6. The amplifier settings need to be adjusted as follows: The GAIN should be adjusted to

the lowest setting. The LOW PASS FILTER should be turned towards the highest

frequency (EXAMPLE: if LPF = 20Hz to 200Hz, adjust to 200Hz). The SUBSONIC

FILTER should be turned towards the lowest frequency (EXAMPLE: if SUBSONIC

range = 10Hz to 50Hz, adjust to 10Hz). If applicable set preamp to MASTER or MAIN.

Any other amplifier settings such as PHASE or BASS BOOST should be set to 0.

7. Set the GAIN control on the ZVL to half.

8. The ZVL LPF should be set to its highest frequency setting and the SUBSONIC should

be set to its lowest frequency setting.

9. Now you will need to match the outputs of your amplifiers. For this procedure you will

need a Digital Voltmeter and the ability to play a 0dB 40hz test tone from your source unit.

a. Determine your target output voltage by adding the RMS wattage of your

amplifiers to get a combined/total RMS wattage. Next, use the following formula

to get your combined target voltage √P*R = E. Multiply (P) by the impedance of

the load that will be connected to the amplifiers (R), then find the square root of

that number to get the target output Voltage (E) (EXAMPLE: Strapping 2 x 2000

watt RMS amps at 2Ω. 4000W (P) with a 2Ω load (R) would equal 89.44 VAC (E)

- (√4000*2 = 89.44VAC). Once you have determined your target output voltage

for the pair of strapped amps divide it by 2 (89.44VAC / 2= 44.72VAC). This gives

you the individual target voltage for each amp.

b. Make sure no subwoofers are connected to the amplifiers.

c. Adjust your Voltmeter so that it is measuring Volts AC.

d. Connect the positive voltmeter lead to the (+) POSITIVE TERMINAL on amplifier

#1. Connect the negative voltmeter lead to the (-) NEGATIVE TERMINAL on

amplifier #1.

e. Turn the audio system on and turn the source unit volume all the way down.

f. Now, while playing the 40Hz sine wave turn your source unit to its maximum

clean volume level. If you don’t have an oscilloscope or other tools to determine

this, you can just turn your source unit up to ¾ of its volume for this step.

g. Turn amplifier #1’s gain up until your voltmeter reads the individual target output

voltage. Now connect the voltmeter to the speaker terminals of amplifier #2 and

adjust the gain of amplifier #2 until you see the exact same voltmeter reading.

h. Connect a strapping wire between the (-) NEGATIVE TERMINALS of the two

amplifiers being strapped.

i. Connect the positive voltmeter lead to the (+) POSITIVE TERMINAL on amplifier

#1. Connect the negative voltmeter lead to the (+) POSITIVE TERMINAL on

amplifier #2. The voltmeter should now read the target voltage for the combined

amplifiers.

j. Turn your system off.

10. Connect the speaker (+) POSITIVE LEAD to the (+) POSITIVE TERMINAL of amplifier

#1. Connect the speaker (-) NEGATIVE LEAD to the (+) POSITIVE TERMINAL of

amplifier #2. Repeat the connection process for each pair of amplifiers you are

strapping with the ZVL.

11. Adjust the ZVL LOW PASS FILTER and SUBSONIC FILTER for desired listening.

NOTE: Two pairs of amplifiers can be strapped in this manner with one ZVL. If more

outputs are required for your application you will be able to use Channel 5/6 to feed

signal into a second ZVL unit allowing you to strap up to 4 pairs amplifiers in this

manner. Please refer to the Linking 2 ZVL Modules section of this manual.

STRAPPING SUBWOOFER AMPLIFIERS W/OUT A ZVL INPUT

(amplifiers must be matching models)

DD AUDIO / ZVL / 17