Kicker KQ30 User manual

KQ30 Equalizer Technical Manual
Version 1.0
January 1, 2002
KQ30 Technical Manual

This Technical Manual covers all the information contained in the KQ30 installation manual plus more in depth
information concerning the installation, setup and use of your new KICKER equalization tool. Be sure to check our
web site at www.Kicker.com for the latest information on this or any other KICKER product.
OK, so your best bud talked you into buying this thing...or maybe it was the installer at your favorite shop...the
salesman was on a selling high and rolled one into your new system...or maybe you just liked the thought of play-
ing with ALL those dials! No matter what got you here, we will now help you get the most out of it.
The first thing we need to understand is that everything we hear whether it is musical instruments, a person’s
voice or the constant howling of the cat next door is comprised of sounds that fall within the 10 octaves of fre-
quencies that we as human beings can hear. An octave is simply a halving or a doubling of a frequency from a
given starting point and for most of us that starting point is 20 Hz (the lowest low frequency which we can hear).
An octave up from 20 Hz would be 40 Hz. The next octave up is 80 Hz, then 160 Hz and so on and so on until we
reach the limit of our hearing which tops out at 20 kHz (the highest high frequency we can hear). Everything we
can hear falls within this 20 Hz to 20 kHz range. Unless you’re my cousin Bernie who claims he can hear grass
grow...but that’s another story.
Ok, so now we know what an octave is and what the 10 octaves of the human hearing range are. What is 1/3
octave? Well...it is simply the same 20 Hz to 20 kHz range broken into 1/3 octave slices.To calculate 1/3 octave
intervals is pretty easy too. You simply start at 20 Hz and multiply it by 1.26 to get 25.2 Hz, we simply round this to
25 Hz. So 1/3 octave up from 20 Hz is 25 Hz. The next step up from 25 Hz would be 25 x 1.26 or 31.5 Hz. Next 1/3
octave step is 31.5 x 1.26 or 39.69 Hz. Like above that is rounded to 40 Hz. This goes on and on all the way up to 20
kHz.
Un-FFun MMath NNotice
Right know you might be saying to yourself just where do we get 1.26. Isn’t .33 equal to 1/3? Just trust us when
we say to use 1.26...we are skipping a bunch of difficult math. We hear in a logarithmic scale, not linear, and 1.26
breaks the logarithmic scale up into 1/3 slices. OK? Good! Let’s move on.
Introduction
KQ30 Equalizer Technical Manual
Version 1.0
January 1, 2002 Page 2
The 10 Octaves of Human Hearing (20 Hz to 20 kHz)
20Hz 40 80 160 320 640 1280 2.5k 5.0k 10k 20k
2 octaves 5 - 6 octaves 2 - 3 octaves
Sub-bass Mid-bass Mid-range High Frequency
20 40 63 100 156 250 400 635 1K 1.6K 2.5K 4K 6.4K 10K 16K
31.5 50 80 126 200 320 500 800 1.27K 2K 3.2K 5K 8K 12.8K 20
K
One Third Octaves from 20 Hz to 20 kHz
Sub-bass Mid-bass Mid-range High Frequency

So if our hearing works within these 10 octaves, where does 1/3 octave come into play? Why 30 bands? Well,
through extensive research at the world famous Huh! Earology Institute, Dr. Koneairea determined that 3 dB
changes between 1/3 octaves are the smallest changes the human ear can easily detect. His lab assistant Mongo
agreed that 30 bands was best since that was the maximum number of dials he could draw on the chalk board. So
30 bands it was.
Seriously though, the Kicker KQ30 is a 30 band, 1/3 octave equalizer designed for tailoring your sound system to
better fit your listening environment (your car we hope) or to just make it sound like you want it to sound.
Through experimentation it has been shown that the way the human ear sums energy in the Critical Bands to
determine the loudness of a sound are about one third octave apart. Because of this, one third octave spacing is all
that is required to tune a system within the capabilities of the average human ear. You could use an equalizer with
tighter spacing (like a 1/6 octave) but this would only present you with twice as many dials to adjust (60+...Ouch!)
and no better audible results than a finely tuned 1/3 octave unit. In other words, a lot more work for no audible
benefit. Even the ‘Super Tweaks’ at Kicker who just love to play with buttons, switches and dials agree that 1/3
octave is the way to go!
The chart below gives you a good idea where some of the musical instruments and voices operate within the 1/3
octave scale. The Fundamental Frequencies are the primary sounds the instrument makes when played. The
Harmonics or Overtones are multiples of the Fundamental sound. Think of it like striking a hollow drum. When you
hit the drum it makes a distinct sound, but there are also extra sounds that reverberate from the original strike.
These extra sounds are Harmonics. These Harmonics plus the Fundamental give every instrument, voice or sound
it’s own unique sound.
Introduction
20 40 63 100 156 250 400 635 1K 1.6K 2.5K 4K 6.4K 10K 16K
31.5 50 80 126 200 320 500 800 1.27K 2K 3.2K 5K 8K 12.8K 20K
Kick Drum
Snare Drum
Cymbals
Chimes
Bass Guitar
Lead Guitar
Female Vocal
Male Vocal
Saxaphone
Organ
Piano
String Bass
Violin
Cello
Clarinet
Flute
Trumpet
Cat Howling
James Brown
Fundamental Frequency
Harmonic or Overtone
1/3 Octave Frequency Spectrum
KQ30 Equalizer Technical Manual
Version 1.0
January 1, 2002 Page 3

The previous chart gives you an idea where popular instruments and voices are located in the audible spectrum.
Knowing this can help give you some direction on tuning your vehicle for that certain sound you are after or
adding a little more definition and character to a particular instrument. In most cases nothing you do will help the
cat howling except a well thrown shoe and James Brown has plenty of definition and character just the way he
is...adjustments here are not required.
The chart below breaks the frequency ranges down into smaller groups and gives you a general idea of how each
range effects the musical spectrum. The last column on the right gives you an idea of what can happen if you
apply too much equalization to that area.
Equalization is like adding spices to your food. Not enough and the food tastes bland...too much and your reach-
ing for the water. The right amount of boosting and cutting will really make your system shine.
KQ30 Equalizer Technical Manual
Version 1.0
January 1, 2002 Page 4
Introduction
Frequency Range Affected Area Results Of Excessive
Boost
16 Hz - 60 Hz Sense of power, music is felt more
than heard.
Makes music sound
muddy.
60 Hz - 250 Hz Fundamentals of the rhythmic section.
Equalizing here can change the musical
balance making it fat or thin.
Makes music sound
boomy.
250 Hz - 2000 Hz Low order harmonics of most musical
instruments that are horn-like. Listening
fatigue may result if improperly equalized.
Gives telephone like
quality to the music.
Can make the music
sound tinny.
2 kHz - 4 kHz Speech recognition. Listening Fatigue. Will
add a lisping quality to
voices. "M", "V" & "B"
will become vague.
4 kHz - 6 kHz Affects clarity and definition of voices
and instruments. The music will seem
closer to the listener with proper setting.
Sibilance on vocals
(harshness). Adding
boost at 5 kHz will make
the music seem louder.
6 kHz - 20 kHz Brilliance and clarity of sounds. Gives air
and pressence to the music.
Sibilance and/or
harshness on voices

To properly adjust the KQ30 equalizer it is highly recommended that you, someone you know or the local dealer
have and be familiar with the use of a 1/3 octave RTA (Real Time Analyzer). The RTA allows you to see where the
major peaks and dips in your system’s response curve are located and dial in the proper amount of boost or cut at
the correct frequencies to get a smooth overall system response. The RTA should not be the only source of input
to tell you what needs tweaked, you must also listen. There can be times where no matter how good it looks on
the RTA display, it simply sounds bad to the ear. By the same token, a curve that may show some uneven response
may actually sound pleasing. You always want to start with the RTA and look for major peaks and valleys, fix these
and then listen. Do this back and forth until you get a response as smooth as possible and also sounds realistic.
Here are 5 basic pointers to
keep in mind as you start your
quest on eq perfection:
1.) Your goal is a smooth
curve with no more than a 3 dB
difference between bands. Flat
lines, happy faces or ski slopes
are not necessarily the goal,
unless you are into that sort of
thing.
2.) Always cut first, boost last
and keep your boosting to as lit-
tle as needed to get the desired
results. For every 3 dB you
boost a band you are asking your amp to double it’s power output at that frequency.
3.) Equalization does not change the basics. A properly adjusted equalizer is not a Band-Aid for poor components
or installations. Address these issues first...Eq last.
4.) If you find certain frequency valleys that do not respond from boosting you may have some cancellation at
that frequency due to the speaker placement, speaker phasing, crossover phasing, or simple vehicle acoustics. If
this is the case then address these issues separately. See your Kicker dealer for more details and help in correcting
these issues.
5.) Your ears are always right. No matter how good or bad it looks on the RTA, if it sounds bad...it sounds bad.
Period. Let the RTA guide you and your ears tell you if it is right.
If you do not have access to a RTA you can still do a decent job of getting your system to sound good. Simply sit
in the car with the KQ30 within reach and listen to some well recorded music that you are familiar with. Start at the
lowest EQ band and work your way up one at a time. Try boosting and cutting and stick with what sounds best. You
may find you need to move back and forth between bands that are close together as boosting or cutting one may
require changes to the other bands closest to it. Be sure to compare what you have with what you had (the
EQ/Bypass switch) to make sure you are going the right direction. If you get to a point that it sounds worse than
when you started then simply set all the dials back to flat (0 position) and start again. It is a good idea to keep track
of your settings and notes on a piece of paper so that if you do need to start over, you know what you had. This
can be helpful if you want to re-create certain settings or avoid them.
If all else fails...refer to the advice above which states...”it is highly recommended that you, someone you know
or the local dealer have and be familiar with the use of a 1/3 octave RTA (Real Time Analyzer)”.
With all that said, let’s dive in and get started.
KQ30 Equalizer Technical Manual
Version 1.0
January 1, 2002 Page 5
+6
+5
+4
+3
+2
+1
0
-1
-2
-3
-4
-5
-6
20 40 63 100 156 250 400 635 1K 1.6K 2.5K 4K 6.4K 10K 16K
31.5 50 80 126 200 320 500 800 1.27K 2K 3.2K 5K 8K 12.8K 20K
Audio Leap RTA Unit
Real Time Spectrum Analyzer
Beer/Whiskey
Dot/Bar
Fast/Slow
Average
Freeze
Introduction

30 Bands at 1/3 Octave Spacing As stated above in the Introduction, a 1/3 octave equalizer gives you all the
control necessary to adjust your sound system for a smooth response or to dial it in to your ears liking. The KQ30
gives you the ISO standard 30 bands at 1/3 octave spacing from 20 Hz to 20 KHz.
12 dB Boost or Cut At each of the 30 1/3 octave spaced controls you can boost or cut the intensity of the sig-
nal by up to 12 decibels (dB). Plenty of control and then some since most systems typically need no more than 6
dB of boost or cut to get things dialed in.
High Voltage Pre-amp There are quite a variety of head units on the market today, not to mention if you are
using a line driver or pre-amplifier in your system. The KQ30 will work with an audio input signal as little as 500 mv
up to a mind numbing 9 Volts! Plenty of range to work with anything you can throw at it. At the same time it can
deliver a full 9 volts of audio output to send down the line to your crossovers or amplifiers.
Separate Left and Right Input Controls For the best possible sound quality and least amount of noise you
want to get your KQ30 matched up to your head unit, the separate left and right input sensitivity controls let you
do just that. Being separate allows you to tweak input channel balancing as well.
Separate Left and Right Output Controls To minimize noise in your system you want to pass as much
audio signal voltage as you can down the line to the next component. Too much and you will cause undesired dis-
tortion...not enough and your system will sound thin and not play to it’s full potential. The left and right output
controls allow you to find just the right amount of signal to accomplish this and do any channel balancing tasks
required at this stage.
Separate Left and Right Input Clipping LED’s Clipping the input of your pre-amp components is not a
good thing when you want clean sound. The LED indicators are a great tool to help you in setting up the input gain
controls on your KQ30. These indicators will blink as you get within 3 dB of clipping the input section of your unit.
Separate Left and Right Output Clipping LED’s Just as with the input, you do not want to clip the output
of your KQ30. The output LED indicators will blink as you get within 3 dB of driving the KQ30 into clipping to help
you with setting up your eq.
Mono / Stereo Selector The KQ30 is a stereo equalizer and will do its magic on both the left and right channels
at the same time. For those ‘Livin’ Loud’ tweakers who want to have separate left and right controls, you can use
two units and equalize the channels independently. Just grab two units, flip the switches to Mono, and you are
ready to go!. In Mono mode the KQ30 will sum whatever is input to both the left and right channels into a mono
signal and then pass this signal to both the left and right outputs. See the diagrams further in this manual for
details.
EQ / Bypass Switch Whether your tweaking your system by ear to get that sound you want or using a real time
analyzer for an ultra smooth response curve, you’ll find times when you want to compare what you had...to what
you got. This is what the EQ /Bypass switch does. When in bypass mode it sends the input signal directly to the
output jacks without any equalization. So with a simple press of the switch you can compare life before the
KQ30...and after!
Three Year Warranty When you’re ‘Livin’ Loud’ you want the tunes to roll non-stop and we couldn’t agree
more. When you purchase your KQ30 from an authorized KICKER dealer we back it up with a full year
warranty...parts and labor. If you have an authorized KICKER dealer install it for you at the time of purchase we push
that warranty out to a full THREE years! We build our products to give you years of trouble free performance and
know that if it is installed right the first time you will get just that...so we back it up!
Features
KQ30 Equalizer Technical Manual
Version 1.0
January 1, 2002 Page 6

Mounting Instructions
When selecting a location to mount your Kicker KQ30 equalizer be sure it is structurally sound and that there are
no items behind the area that could be damaged by the screws. Check for wiring, brake lines, fuel lines, gas tanks,
etc.
Remember that the controls on top of the equalizer will need to be accessible for adjustment later. Keep this in
mind as you choose your equalizer’s mounting location.
Now that you are ready to mount your equalizer, use the KQ30 chassis as a template and mark the four mounting
hole locations with a marking pen or pencil.
30
Pen or Pencil
Next, remove the KQ30 from the mounting location and using a drill with a 7/64 inch drill bit, pre-drill the four
mounting locations you marked in the above step.
7/64 inch Drill Bit
EQ removed
from mounting
location.
Pre-drill the
four holes
marked in
previous step.
30
Screwdriver
Finally, using the supplied screws and a phillips head screw driver, mount the KQ30 into it’s new home.
KQ30 Equalizer Technical Manual
Version 1.0
January 1, 2002 Page 7

Wiring Instructions
When working with power connections it is always recommended that you
disconnect the negative terminal from the car battery to prevent accidents.
(Fig. 1) Nothing quite makes your day like a positive voltage wire touching
the car chassis or your gear and making sparks fly, blowing fuses or breaking
your equipment. Disconnecting the negative terminal from the car’s battery
will nip this problem right in the bud.
To make wiring the power connections to the KQ30 easier, you can remove
the power plug, terminate your wires into it and then re-insert it after all
wiring is completed. (Fig. 2)
The ground should be connected to the
equalizer first before making any of the other
connections. This wire should be as short as
possible (36 inches or less) and connected to a
paint/corrosion free solid metal area of the
car’s chassis using 18 Ga wire and a small ring
terminal. (Fig. 2 and Fig. 3)
Connect the +12V terminal to a constant 12
volt battery source using 18 Ga wire and an in-
line 5 amp fuse. The KQ30 itself has a 2 amp
chassis fuse for protection. The additional 5
amp in-line fuse is to protect the wire feeding
the KQ30 and should be placed as close as pos-
sible to the battery. (Fig. 2)
If you have a fused distribution block in the
rear of your vehicle to distribute power to your
amplifiers and it has an extra tap, you can use
this in place of the in-line fuse as long as you
still fuse it for 5 amps. (Fig. 3)
The turn on terminal is connected to your
source unit’s remote turn-on lead. Most source
units have an output labeled ‘power antenna’
or ‘amplifier turn-on’ for this connection. If
your source unit has both, use the output
labeled ‘amplifier turn-on’. (Fig. 2 & Fig. 3)
After making all your power connections you
can re-insert the power plug into the KQ30 and
re-connect your
negative battery
cable to your car
battery. (Fig. 4)
KQ30 Equalizer Technical Manual
Version 1.0
January 1, 2002 Page 8
+
--
Car Battery
GROUND
REMOTE TURN-ON
5A FUSE
BATTERY
+12V
30
+12V TURN ON GROUND
GROUND
REMOTE TURN-ON
80 A Fuse
BATTERY
+12V
FUSE
FUSE
FUSE
FUSE
4 Gauge Power Line To Trunk
5 Amp Fuse
30
+
--
Car Battery
Fig. 1
Fig. 2
Fig. 3
Fig. 4

Signal Cable Tips
- Do This...
The use of twisted pair interconnects is recommended for all installations to minimize noise. (Fig. 1) When rout-
ing these cables through the automobile, try to keep them away from factory wiring harnesses and other power
wiring. If you need to cross any of this wiring, do so at a 90 degree angle to reduce the possibility of picking up
radiated noise. (Fig. 2)
If you have to run your signal cables parallel to a factory wiring harness or other 12 volt wiring, Try to keep you
signal cables at least 12 inches away to lessen the chance of getting any induced noise. (Fig. 5 & Fig. 6)
If you have to route the interconnects parallel to factory wiring or other electrical cable, keep the distance they
run parallel as short as possible. The longer the RCA cable is parallel with these types of cables, the greater the
chance of picking up induced noise. (Fig.6 & Fig. 7)
Wiring Instructions
To Source
To KQ30
Factory Wiring
Fig.1 Fig.2
KQ30 Equalizer Technical Manual
Version 1.0
January 1, 2002 Page 9
To
Source
To
KQ30
Factory Wiring
At Least
12 Inches.
Fig.5
To
Source
To
KQ30
Other 12 Volt
Wiring
At Least
12 Inches.
Fig.6
To
Source
To
KQ30
Factory Wiring
The Shorter This Distance
The Better.
Fig.6
To
Source
To
KQ30
Other 12 Volt
Wiring
The Shorter This Distance
The Better.
Fig.7

Signal Cable Tips
- Don’t Do This...
When routing your signal cables you want to avoid placing them directly next to any factory wiring harness or
other 12 volt power wiring. (Fig. 1 & Fig. 2) If you route your cables like this, you greatly increase the possibility of
your system picking up noise. If you absolutely have to do this, refer to Figure 6 and Figure 7 on page 9 and keep
the distance they run together as short as possible. Or better yet...Don’t Do This.
When routing your signal cables, do not coil or tie the cable into loops or bundles. (Fig. 3, Fig. 4, Fig. 5) Doing
this enhances the wires ability to act as an antenna and will increase the chances that the cable will pick up induced
noise from the car or other wiring and inject it into your audio system.
Finally, do not use an excessively long interconnect cable. (Fig. 6) You want to use just enough cable to get from
your source unit to the KQ30 and just a little bit extra for usability and serviceability. Typically 6-12 inches per end is
plenty of extra cable to accomplish this.
For example, if the distance from your
source unit to the KQ30 is 17 feet (Dashed
line in Fig. 6) then use a cable no longer
than 19 feet. Do not use a 25 foot cable.
Using more cable than you need leads to
the problems described above in Figures
3,4 and 5.
To
Source
To
KQ30
Factory Wiring
Fig.1
To
Source
To
KQ30
Other 12 Volt
Wiring
Fig.2
Wiring Instructions
To
Source To
KQ30
Fig.3
To
Source
To
KQ30
Fig.4
To
Source
To
KQ30
Fig.5
Source
30
KQ30
Dashed line is length of cable needed
to run from the head unit to the KQ30.
KQ30 Equalizer Technical Manual
Version 1.0
January 1, 2002 Page 10
Fig.6

One KQ30 Stereo Operation
Got one KQ30? Want to equalize both the Left and Right channels? This is the diagram for you. In this application
one KQ30 will equalize both the left and right channels simultaneously and output the equalized signal to your sys-
tem. This is the most common and typical use of a KQ30.
Once you have your interconnect cables routed from
your source unit to the KQ30, simply connect the Left and
Right channel RCA outputs from your source unit into
the Left and Right channel inputs of the KQ30. Take the
Left and Right channel outputs of the KQ30 and connect
them to the next component in your signal path which is
typically your electronic crossover or amplifier(s). (Fig.1)
Check the STEREO/MONO and the EQ/BYPASS switches
and make sure they are in the STEREO and EQ (out) posi-
tions. (Fig. 2)
Source Unit
RCA Outputs
To Crossover
or
Amplifier(s)
INPUT
LR
OUTPUT
LR
SOURCE UNIT
KQ5
KQ5
RCA Inputs
KQ5
RCA Outputs
L
L
LL
L
R
RR
L
R
R
R
30
Fig. 3
RCA Outputs
To Crossover or Amplifier
INPUT
LR
OUTPUT
LR
SOURCE UNIT
L
R
LR LR
LR
30
Fig.1
KQ30 Equalizer Technical Manual
Version 1.0
January 1, 2002 Page 11
Wiring Instructions
In most cases, the KQ30 should be placed directly after your source unit in the signal chain. If you are using a
pre-amplifier, like a KICKER KQ5, then your signal chain should go from your source unit to the KQ5 and then on to
the KQ30. The output of the KQ30 would then connect to the next component in your signal path which is typically
your electronic crossover or amplifier(s). (Fig. 3)
Both Switches In The Out Position
EQ
BYPASS
STEREO
MONO
Fig.2

Two KQ30s Stereo Operation
In this application you are using two KQ30s and will have the ability to equalize your Left channel independently
from your Right channel. This type of setup is employed by the ‘Die Hard’ competitors using equalization to move
the location of the sound stage in their car or my cousin Bernie who still claims he can hear grass grow.
Once you have your interconnect cables routed from your source unit to the KQ30s, simply connect the Left
channel RCA output from your source unit into the Left channel RCA input on KQ30 number 1. Now connect the
Left channel RCA output from KQ30 number 1 to the Left channel input of your electronic crossover or amplifier(s).
KQ30 number 1 is now the equalizer for just the Left channel of your system. (Fig. 1)
Next, take the Right channel RCA output from your source unit into the Left channel input of KQ30 number 2.
Now connect the Left channel RCA output from KQ30 number 2 to the Right channel input of your electronic
crossover or amplifier(s). KQ30 number 2 is now the equalizer for just the Right channel of your system. (Fig. 1)
Check the STEREO/MONO switch on both KQ30s and make sure
they are in the MONO (in) position. Also check the EQ/BYPASS
switch on both KQ30s and make sure they are in the EQ (out) posi-
tions. (Fig. 2)
**When using the KQ30 in this setup the Right channel Output
of each unit is identical to the Left channel of that unit. This is
helpful if you need an additional Left or Right stereo channel out-
put to feed another device.
Wiring Instructions
RCA Outputs
To Left Channel Input of
Crossover or Amplifier
INPUT
LR
OUTPUT
LR
INPUT
LR
OUTPUT
LR
L
LL
L
R
R
To Right Channel Input of
Crossover or Amplifier
R
R
L
L*
*Extra Output
R
R*
*Extra Output
R
Either Input can be used...
but use only one!
L
Either Input can be used...
but use only one!
30 30
KQ30 number 1 KQ30 number 2
Fig. 1
EQ/BYPASS Switch Out
STEREO/MONO Switch In
EQ
BYPASS
STEREO
MONO
Fig.2
KQ30 Equalizer Technical Manual
Version 1.0
January 1, 2002 Page 12

Two KQ30s Stereo Operation (continued)
If you are using a pre-amplifier, like a KICKER KQ5, then your signal chain should go from your source unit to the
KQ5 and then on to the KQ30s. The output of the KQ30s would then connect to the next component in your signal
path which is typically your electronic crossover or amplifier(s). (Fig. 1)
Check the STEREO/MONO switch on both KQ30s and make sure
they are in the MONO (in) position. Also check the EQ/BYPASS
switch on both KQ30s and make sure they are in the EQ (out)
positions. (Fig. 2)
**When using the KQ30 in this setup the Right channel Output
of each unit is identical to the Left channel of that unit. This is
helpful if you need an additional Left or Right stereo channel out-
put to feed another device.
KQ30 Equalizer Technical Manual
Version 1.0
January 1, 2002 Page 13
Wiring Instructions
R
Either Input can be used...
but use only one!
L
Either Input can be used...
but use only one!
To Left Channel Input of
Crossover or Amplifier
INPUT
LR
OUTPUT
LR
INPUT
LR
OUTPUT
LR
L
LL
L
R
R
To Right Channel Input of
Crossover or Amplifier
R
R
Source Unit
RCA Outputs
KQ5
KQ5
RCA Inputs
KQ5
RCA Outputs
L
R
L
R
30 30
KQ30 number 1 KQ30 number 2
L
L*
*Extra Output
R
R*
*Extra Output
Fig. 1
EQ/BYPASS Switch Out
STEREO/MONO Switch In
EQ
BYPASS
STEREO
MONO
Fig.2

One Unit Mono Operation
The KQ30 is capable of summing the Left and Right channel stereo inputs into a Mono signal and supplying this
signal on both the left and right channel out-
puts.
Simply connect the Left and Right channel
RCA outputs of your source into the Left and
Right channel inputs on the KQ30 and place
the STEREO/MONO switch on the unit into
the MONO (in) position. (Fig. 1)
The Left and Right channel outputs on the
KQ30 will now provide identical Left + Right
summed mono signals.
L - Left channel
R - Right channel
M - Mono (L+R)
RCA Outputs
To Crossover or Amplifier
INPUT
LR
OUTPUT
LR
SOURCE UNIT
L
R
LR MM
MM
30
KQ30 Equalizer Technical Manual
Version 1.0
January 1, 2002 Page 14
Wiring Instructions
Fig.1
EQ/BYPASS Switch Out
STEREO/MONO Switch In
EQ
BYPASS
STEREO
MONO
Got a pre-amplifier like the KICKER KQ5 too? You know the drill by now. (Fig. 2)
L - Left channel
R - Right channel
M - Mono (L+R)
To Crossover or Amplifier
INPUT
LR
OUTPUT
LR
SOURCE UNIT
LR MM
MM
L
R
Source Unit
RCA Outputs
KQ5
KQ5
RCA Inputs
KQ5
RCA Outputs
L
R
L
R
30
EQ/BYPASS Switch Out
STEREO/MONO Switch In
EQ
BYPASS
STEREO
MONO
Fig. 2

Gain Setting Procedure
Ok, you now have your KQ30 mounted and wired...ready for action. We now need to adjust the input gain and
output level controls on the unit before we proceed with equalization. The whole purpose to level setting is to get
as much signal as possible both into and out of a unit without clipping the signal. If these settings are not adjusted
properly you can suffer from lack of output, poor signal to noise ratio which results in a lot of audible hissing or
even clipping which cause your music to sound harsh and un-natural. Proper level setting will avoid all these pitfalls
while giving you the highest performance possible from your system.
This may seem like a difficult process with lots of steps but it is very easy. Just follow the steps one at a time and
you will be a level setting pro in no time.
Adjusting Equalizer Controls
Step 33
Step 55
Step 77
Step 88
Step 99
Step 110
1. Turn the gain controls on your amplifier(s) all the way down.
2. Disconnect the remote turn-on lead(s) from your amplifier(s).
Be ssure
to iinsulate tthe eexposed ccopper wwire wwith eelectrical ttape ttopprevent aacci-
dental ddamage ttoyyour ssource uunit’s rremote tturn-oonllead ooutput..
(Step
2a) OR As an alternative, you could disconnect the RCA inputs to your
amplifiers and insulate them with electrical tape. (Step 2b) If you choose
to disconnect the RCA leads be sure to do this with your system off.
3. Set all the equalization controls on the KQ30 to their center detent (0
dB) position.
4. Set the Input Gain controls on the KQ30 at their minimum (fully counter
clock-wise) position.
5. Set the Output Level controls on the KQ30 at their minimum (fully
counter clock-wise) position.
6. Using a well recorded CD with a strong signal or better yet a continu-
ous 1KHz tone recorded at 0 dB (track 10 from AutoSound 2000 CD 104),
turn your source unit up to 90% of it’s maximum output.
7. Turn the KQ30 Left channel Input Gain control up until the Left channel
input clipping LED starts to flash.
8. Adjust the KQ30 Right channel Input Gain control to match the Left.
9. Turn the KQ30 Left channel Output Level control up until the Left chan-
nel output clipping LED starts to flash.
10. Adjust the KQ30 Right channel Output Level control to match the Left.
11 . Turn the source unit down and shut off the system.
12. Re-connect the remote turn-on leads to your amplifier(s). (Step 12a)
OR RCA cables. (Step 12b)
*Relax...the initial level setting is now complete. Find a cold beverage and
then move on the the next page.
Step 44
Amplifier(s) Input Gain
Step 11
Amplifier(s) Remote Lead
Electrical
Tape
TAPE
Step 22a
Amplifier(s) Remote Lead
Electrical
Tape
Removed
TAPE
Step 112a
TAPE
TAPE
AMPLIFIER
RL
Step 22b
AMPLIFIER
RL
Tape
Removed
TAPE
TAPE
Step 112b
SOURCE UNIT
Volume Down
System Off
010
Step 111
SOURCE UNIT
Volume to 90%
System On
010
Step 66
KQ30 Equalizer Technical Manual
Version 1.0
January 1, 2002 Page 15
Clip
LED
Clip
LED
Clip
LED
Clip
LED

The KQ30 will have enough output to operate most amplifiers to their full power output even with the amplifier’s
gain control set at its lowest position. Remember, the gain settings on any amplifier are for level matching only,
they do not increase the power output of your amplifier. The lowest gain setting that will allow your amplifier to
make full power is always best for sound quality, lowest system noise and reliability.
RTA Equalization
OK, now we are ready to get an RTA in the car and adjust the KQ30. If you do not have access to an RTA then skip
this section labeled RTA EEqualization, set the equalizer to what sounds best to you and move to the next section
labeled Final GGain SSettings.
First we need place the RTA's microphone into the car on a microphone stand so that the microphone is located
approximately at the same level as your head when you are driving. (Fig. 1 and Fig. 2)
If you are going to
be competing in any
competition organi-
zation, be sure to
place the micro-
phone at the location
specified in their rule
book. Otherwise, just
make sure the micro-
phone is located at
approximately ear
level.
Next, you want to place a CD into your source unit which contains a continuous pink noise recording. The various
competition organizations sell CDs with this recording on them or track 18 from the AutoSound 2000 Test CD 102
could be used. Be sure to place your source unit into Track Repeat mode so it will keep playing the pink noise track
only.
Now, with the RTA in SPL (Sound Pressure Level) mode, you want to turn the volume up on your system until you
get a reading in the 80 - 90 dB range. This is how we set the volume to perform the RTA measurements and adjust
the equalizer.
Adjusting Equalizer Controls
Driver
Back Seat
Passenger
Dashboard
Microphone
Microphone
+6
+5
+4
+3
+2
+1
0
-1
-2
-3
-4
-5
-6
20 40 63 100 156 250 400 635 1K 1.6K 2.5K 4K 6.4K 10K 16K
31.5 50 80 126 200 320 500 800 1.27K 2K 3.2K 5K 8K 12.8K 20K
Audio Leap RTA Unit
Real Time Spectrum Analyzer
Beer/Whiskey
Dot/Bar
Fast/Slow
Avera ge
Freeze 84
Fig. 1 Top View Fig. 2 Side View
+6
+5
+4
+3
+2
+1
0
-1
-2
-3
-4
-5
-6
20 40 63 100 156 250 400 635 1K 1.6K 2.5K 4K 6.4K 10K 16K
31.5 50 80 126 200 320 500 800 1.27K 2K 3.2K 5K 8K 12.8K 20K
Audio Leap RTA Unit
Real Time Spectrum Analyzer
Beer/Whiskey
Dot/Bar
Fast/Slow
Average
Freeze 84
KQ30 Equalizer Technical Manual
Version 1.0
January 1, 2002 Page 16

Adjusting Equalizer Controls
KQ30 Equalizer Technical Manual
Version 1.0
January 1, 2002 Page 17
With the SPL set an the pink noise continuously playing through your system, put the RTA into analyzer mode.
You will now see a graphical representation of how your system is working at playing back the pink noise test sig-
nal. Figure 1 gives you an idea of what
you should be seeing, except yours will
be moving up and down at the various
frequencies.
The pink noise that you are playing
through your system is a recording of
equal energy at all octaves being played
at the same time. If you were to look at
it as a pure signal, before it went
through all your amplifiers, crossovers
and speakers, it would like the display in
Figure 2.
How is this useful? Well knowing that
the signal coming off the CD before it
goes through your system is supposed
to look like a flat line gives you a known
reference. Looking at it with a micro-
phone after it has gone through your
head unit, equalizers, crossovers, ampli-
fiers, and finally your speakers gives you
an idea of how the signal is being affect-
ed by these components.
You also see the effect that speaker
placement and phasing has on what you
hear as well as how the car itself is
affecting the signal.
The end result is the ability to look at how everything, and we mean everything, is affecting the sound you hear
in your car. Does this mean we should equalize the car back to a flat line? The short answer is no. The long answer
is no, unless you just want a flat line for showing you can do it. Many competitors will shoot for the flat line so they
can get a “perfect score” in the RTA judging section of a contest but for listening a flat line would sound fairly dull
and lifeless. That is why they use separate EQ’s and switch between them. One for the RTA judging set up to get as
close to a flat line as possible and the other for sound quality. If you don’t believe me, just check with my cousin
Bernie...you know the one...claims he can hear grass grow. I told you about him right?
So if I am playing a source which is essentially a flat line and you don’t want me to equalize it back to a flat line,
just what am I supposed to do? The key to using the RTA and pink noise is to look for major problems with the
response curve and smooth them out. Remember from the introduction that we said 3 dB changes between 1/3
octave bands was the smallest change the human ear can detect? Well that is what we are trying to do here, sim-
ply keep each 1/3 octave band within 3 dB of the other as we go from 20 Hz to 20 kHz.
+6
+5
+4
+3
+2
+1
0
-1
-2
-3
-4
-5
-6
20 40 63 100 156 250 400 635 1K 1.6K 2.5K 4K 6.4K 10K 16K
31.5 50 80 126 200 320 500 800 1.27K 2K 3.2K 5K 8K 12.8K 20K
Audio Leap RTA Unit
Real Time Spectrum Analyzer
Beer/Whiskey
Dot/Bar
Fast/Slow
Average
Freeze
Fig. 1
+6
+5
+4
+3
+2
+1
0
-1
-2
-3
-4
-5
-6
20 40 63 100 156 250 400 635 1K 1.6K 2.5K 4K 6.4K 10K 16K
31.5 50 80 126 200 320 500 800 1.27K 2K 3.2K 5K 8K 12.8K 20K
Audio Leap RTA Unit
Real Time Spectrum Analyzer
Beer/Whiskey
Dot/Bar
Fast/Slow
Average
Freeze
Fig. 2

Adjusting Equalizer Controls
KQ30 Equalizer Technical Manual
Version 1.0
January 1, 2002 Page 18
+6
+5
+4
+3
+2
+1
0
-1
-2
-3
-4
-5
-6
20 40 63 100 156 250 400 635 1K 1.6K 2.5K 4K 6.4K 10K 16K
31.5 50 80 126 200 320 500 800 1.27K 2K 3.2K 5K 8K 12.8K 20K
Audio Leap RTA Unit
Real Time Spectrum Analyzer
Beer/Whiskey
Dot/Bar
Fast/Slow
Average
Freeze
+6
+5
+4
+3
+2
+1
0
-1
-2
-3
-4
-5
-6
20 40 63 100 156 250 400 635 1K 1.6K 2.5K 4K 6.4K 10K 16K
31.5 50 80 126 200 320 500 800 1.27K 2K 3.2K 5K 8K 12.8K 20K
Audio Leap RTA Unit
Real Time Spectrum Analyzer
Beer/Whiskey
Dot/Bar
Fast/Slow
Average
Freeze
Fig. 1 your response curve
Fig. 2 your friend’s response curve
+6
+5
+4
+3
+2
+1
0
-1
-2
-3
-4
-5
-6
20 40 63 100 156 250 400 635 1K 1.6K 2.5K 4K 6.4K 10K 16K
31.5 50 80 126 200 320 500 800 1.27K 2K 3.2K 5K 8K 12.8K 20K
Audio Leap RTA Unit
Real Time Spectrum Analyzer
Beer/Whiskey
Dot/Bar
Fast/Slow
Average
Freeze
Fig. 3
The overall shape of the curve is not as
important as keeping each band within 3
dB of those around it. You may like a real
bass heavy sound while your friend does
not. So you both can have smooth
response curves that look different
because they are based on how you like it
to sound. (Fig. 1 & Fig. 2)
Neither curve is more right, it just
depends on what you like the sound of.
The one thing you do notice is that each
1/3 octave band is within 3 dB (3 dots) of
the next band.
So what does a bad curve look like?
Check out Figure 3. Notice how 31.5 Hz is
4 dB (Each dot represents 1 dB) below 40
Hz. See where 80 Hz is 4 dB above 63 Hz.
How about that killer 4 dB spike at 250
Hz. The yodeling 5 dB valley at 3.2 kHz.
That beautiful 4 dB high end slide off at
20 kHz. These are the problem areas in
the curve that need to be corrected.
Your first step should be to always
equalize out the peaks by turning the
required controls down at or near that
frequency. Next you would try to bring
up the valleys by boosting in those areas
or cutting around them. Your end result
is to keep the sound you like but smooth
out all the response curve so that from
any one 1/3 octave band to the next
there is no more than a 3 dB variation.
So if you start with Figure 3 you want
to end up looking more like Figure 1 or
Figure 2. Not necessarily the same curve
but a smooth transition from band to
band.

Adjusting Equalizer Controls
Step 33
Amplifier(s) Input Gain
Step 11
TAPE
TAPE
KQ30 Output Jacks
RL
Step 22
SOURCE UNIT
Volume to 90%
System On
010
Step 44
1. Turn the gain controls on your amplifier(s) all the way down.
2. Remove the RCA cables from the output jacks of the KQ30 and insulate
them with tape.
3. Set the Output Level controls on the KQ30 at their minimum (fully count-
er clock-wise) position.
4. Using a well recorded CD with a strong signal or better yet a continuous
1KHz tone recorded at 0 dB (track 10 from AutoSound 2000 CD 104), turn
your source unit up to 90% of it’s maximum output.
5. Turn the KQ30s Left channel Output Level control up until the Left chan-
nel output clipping LED starts to flash.
6. Turn the KQ30s Right channel Output Level control up until the Right
channel output clipping LED starts to flash.
7. With a digital voltmeter set to the AC volts we want to measure the sig-
nal coming out the Left channel of the KQ30. Use a short RCA cable and
place the meters probes on the shield and center pin of the RCA jack.
8. Now measure the Right channel using the same procedure as in step 7.
9a. If the Left and Right channel have the same reading do nothing. Skip
steps 9b & 9c and proceed to step 10.
9b. If the Left channel reading is higher than the Right, turn down the Left
channel Output Level control until it matches the Right channel. Skip step
9c and proceed to step 10.
9c. If the Right channel reading is higher than the Left, turn down the
Right channel Output Level control until it matches the Left channel.
10. Turn the source unit down and shut off the system.
11 . Reconnect the RCA cables to your KQ30.
*That’s it, you are now ready to enjoy the full capabilities the KQ30 has to
offer you. Find cousin Bernie and share a cold beverage with him while you
admire your work.
Step 55
Step 66
Clip
LED
Clip
LED
KQ30
RL
Tape
Removed
TAPE
TAPE
Step 111
SOURCE UNIT
Volume Down
System Off
010
Step 110
L
KQ30 Output Jacks
AC Volt
5.50
L
+_
Step 77
R
KQ30 Output Jacks
R
AC Volt
5.50
+_
Step 88
AC Volt
5.90
+_
AC Volt
5.50
+_
Left > Right
Step 99b
AC Volt
5.50
+_
AC Volt
5.90
+_
Left < Right
Step 99c
AC Volt
5.50
+_
AC Volt
5.50
+_
Left = Right
No Adjustment
Step 99a
Final Gain Settings
If you have made it here then you have either tweaked your KQ30 by ear and skipped the RTA EEqualization sec-
tion, completed the RTA EEqualization section or just skipped ahead to see how the story ends.
Now that you have finished tweaking the equalization bands on your KQ30 you are ready to do a final Output
Level setup and balance check to insure optimum performance. This step is very similar to the initial level setting
procedure with a few steps removed and a couple added.
KQ30 Equalizer Technical Manual
Version 1.0
January 1, 2002 Page 19

Adjusting Equalizer Controls
Cousin Bernie & Dr. Koneairea Chat Over Lunch
If after doing all your equalization and level adjustments you feel that your system lacks bite, even with your
source unit turned up to 90% of its’ full output potential, then the gain settings on your amplifier(s) may be turned
up slightly. Keep in mind that the gain settings on any amplifier are for level matching only, they do not increase
the power output of your amplifier. The lowest gain setting that will allow your amplifier to make full power is
always best for sound quality, lowest system noise and reliability.
If you go back at a later date and make changes to the equalizer that involve boosting of the controls, you may
need to perform the Final GGain SSetting process detailed on page 19 again. A good indication that you need to do
this would be if the Output Level Clipping LEDs stay on continuously. It is ok for the clipping LED indicators to blink,
but they should never be fully lit up for any extended period of time.
Page 21 lists the specifications of the KQ30 and has a blank area to use as a notes page. Here you can scribble
down any little tidbits that you may need to know later about how you installed this unit or adjusted it. Alternate
uses of page 21 are:
* Clean place to hold that slice of cold pizza you ordered two hours ago and never got to eat.
* Your latest theories on why time travel is possible.
* A napkin.
Page 22 has a blank KQ30 settings template. We recommend you make several copies of this page so that you
always have a nice clean blank. Use the copies to keep track of your settings both during and after the KQ30 setup.
This is helpful in case you ever need to dial back in your settings because of someone accidentally ( or un-acciden-
tally) altering them. *Note- don’t confuse the alternate uses for page 21 with page 22. This will render page 22
unusable. If this happens you can download a new Technical Manual from www.Kicker.com.
If you have any specific questions concerning this product please contact your local Kicker dealer where you pur-
chased your KQ30 or call us direct at 405-624-8510 and ask for Technical Support. The latest information is always
available for download from our website at www.Kicker.com.
Enjoy!
KQ30 Equalizer Technical Manual
Version 1.0
January 1, 2002 Page 20